Perserverance

This was such a blessing to me, it was yesterday's evening devotional from Charles Spurgeon's devotional. I hope someone else receives a blessing and edification from it as well, enjoy!

Acts 14:22
"Continue in the faith."

Perseverance is the badge of true saints. The Christian life is not a beginning only in the ways of God, but also a continuance in the same as long as life lasts. It is with a Christian as it was with the great Napoleon: he said, Conquest has made me what I am, and conquest must maintain me. So, under God, dear brother in the Lord, conquest has made you what you are, and conquest must sustain you. Your motto must be, Excelsior. He only is a true conqueror, and shall be crowned at the last, who continueth till war's trumpet is blown no more.

Perseverance is, therefore, the target of all our spiritual enemies. The world does not object to your being a Christian for a time, if she can but tempt you to cease your pilgrimage, and settle down to buy and sell with her in Vanity Fair. The flesh will seek to ensnare you, and to prevent your pressing on to glory. It is weary work being a pilgrim; come, give it up. Am I always to be mortified? Am I never to be indulged? Give me at least a furlough from this constant warfare.

Satan will make many a fierce attack on your perseverance; it will be the mark for all his arrows. He will strive to hinder you in service: he will insinuate that you are doing no good; and that you want rest. He will endeavour to make you weary of suffering, he will whisper, Curse God, and die. Or he will attack your steadfastness: What is the good of being so zealous? Be quiet like the rest; sleep as do others, and let your lamp go out as the other virgins do. Or he will assail your doctrinal sentiments: Why do you hold to these denominational creeds? Sensible men are getting more liberal; they are removing the old landmarks: fall in with the times.

Wear your shield, Christian, therefore, close upon your armour, and cry mightily unto God, that by his Spirit you may endure to the end.

Feminist Pioneer says Traditional Family WORKS!

She is one of feminism's pioneers and founder of the UK's first refuge for victims of domestic violence, but after decades of fighting for women's rights Erin Pizzey has come to a startling conclusion: women should stay at home and look after the children while men go out to work.

Her revelations don't stop there. Pizzey also believes that with mothers away from home working, their child's development will be harmed. Her views are supported by new research conducted by Birbeck College in London, which suggests that the longer children are in childcare, as opposed to with parents, the more aggressive they become.


In the programme, she says: "I think the traditional way the family was run has been going for thousands of years and it works. What I see now is men disenfranchised from their roles. Women are lost because they now have to work full-time. They don't have a choice. There is no proper child care, there's nobody home when the children come home."

Research done in America as part of the college's Families, Children and Child Care study of 1200 children claims to show that the more time young children spend in care in their early years, the more aggressive and disobedient they will be by the time they reach primary school.

Read the rest here.

Hair Curled with Small Barrel Curling Iron

I've shared my hair curled with curlers and a regular size curling iron, but I haven't shown it done with my small barrel curling iron. I only curl the permed portion of my hair - so from the shoulders up its my new growth. I use a curling iron that I have had for at least 10 years! It doesn't give too much heat but enough to set a curl, so my hair doesn't really get damaged with this one and I will share more about it in the Hair Tools post coming up.

I did a photo with the flash and without, so you can you see how it hides the perm perfectly! Since my hair was permed with a tight winding spiral, using the small barrel curling iron fits with the permed wave creating a better look. I curled my hair a few hours before taking the photo and was out in the rain, so the curls aren't as tight as they were before the rain! (click photo to enlarge)

Funny Thoughts

Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.

Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.

Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.

Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their maker.

If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.

If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.

It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply be kind to others.

Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.

Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.

The second mouse gets the cheese. (one of my favorites!)

When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

Birthdays are good for you, the more you have, the longer you live.

You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.

Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.


We could learn a lot from crayons... Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.

A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

The light at the end of the tunnel may be an incoming train..

It's not the fall that kills you. It's the sudden stop at the end.

Someday is not a day of the week

Pushing our Kids to Grow Up too Fast

Not many people share my viewpoint as I have found but rather they are in a hurry to get their child through school quickly so they can graduate early. For what? So she can spend most of her childhood studying?

Recently, a child about my daughter's age got together with my daughter for some playtime. From what I understand, this child is in advanced learning (we are talking Kindergarten here folks!) and being "pushed" into the advancement by long school hours. So my daughter starts talking about Dora and My Little Pony toys only to get shot down by this "advanced" peer saying those are for babies and Hannah Montana is all the rage. I overheard (thank goodness!) and was quite appalled! Is this where higher learning has gotten that little girl? To shun toys for an immodest role model?? I will let my little girl play with her toys as long as she wants! Thank the Lord she knows when we go through Walmart, and she sees Hannah Montana, she proclaims - "That's not like Jesus, Mommy!"

Why the push? They are in Kindergarten people!!!! I used to play and nap in Kindergarten and do a few minutes of shapes and numbers, how about you? Now they want your child reading books in Kindergarten and writing words! WHAT!?!?

What sparked this topic today? Well I read a WONDERFUL post from Voddie Baucham's blog and here is a quote from his post:

"Our children need to be outside running and playing, not stressing over tests. Reading can wait. Our children need time to be kids. Four and five year-olds have plenty of time to become productive citizens. First, they need to play."

You can read the article he is referencing in the New York Times, entitled "Kindergarten Cram": http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/03/magazine/03wwln-lede-t.html?_r=2

Enthusiasm

I'm a believer in enthusiasm and that it is also something you must give your children and teach them. For instance since my daughter was a baby, I tried to make the most mundane things enthusiastic - from going to the mailbox, to drinking water lol. She loves to drink water and has since! Oh and the mailbox visits are to her - total excitement. I also trained her to be enthusiastic about cleaning and even doing her homeschool. They have all deemed worth the effort because she is enthusiastic and gets excited over a lot of things and life in general. In the morning when we get up, most of the time I tell her, or she beats me to it and she tells me "It's going to be a wonderful day!"

I get excited over the little things and she follows suit. If they don't see it in YOU, then what will they learn from you? I've been made fun of by some aquaintances (would call them friends but well, friend is a word I give to those who earn it).....they will laugh because I get enthusiastic about blogging something or about doing a certain craft or anything in general. It's almost as though, they think its silly to get excited over certain things. No wonder they are the same people whose lives are dull and boring! =0

I loved the quote from Dave Ramsey's blog today:
One man has enthusiasm for 30 minutes, another for 30 days, but it is the man who has it for 30 years who makes a success of his life. - Edward B. Butler

Baptism of the Holy Spirit; Bibical Proof

This is taken from a recent Bible study and I felt led to share it.  Maybe you have never really searched the scriptures and just believed what some preacher told you.  It is time to find out for yourself!  No one can refute the Words of God, so let His Words speak!  (this does not include the OT scriptures or even all of the scriptures in the Bible about it, but answers a few questions that outline the Biblical answer)

Who talked about it?
  • John the Baptist (foretelling) - Matthew 3:11 "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:"
  • Jesus - John 1:38-39 "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified."
  • Peter - Acts 2:38 "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
 Conditions for receiving it:
  • Repent - Acts 2:38 "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
  • Ask - Luke 11:9-13 "And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?"
  • Obey - Acts 5:32 "And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him."
Who is it for?
  • Disciples - Acts 2:1-18 "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
     Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
  • Believers in Samaria - Acts 8:14-25 "Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the LORD for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
  • Cornelius and the Gentiles - Acts 10:44-48 "While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days."
  • Paul - Acts 9:17 "And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost."
  • Ephesus (20 years after Disciples were filled with the Holy Ghost) - Acts 19:1-7 "And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve."
  • ALL - Acts 2:39 "For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call."
Purpose of the Holy Spirit:
  • Guide us into all truth; Shew things to come and things of God so we can understand; the Holy Spirit is like a key to a map - John 16:7-14 "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you."
  • Comforter; to abide with us; we are not alone - John 14:15-17 "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."
  • Teach us all things; bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever Jesus has said to us - John 14:26 "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."
  • There to help you speak - Mark 13:11 "But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost."
  • Prays through us and for us - Romans 8:26-27 "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God."
  • To do the business of even waiting on tables/serving food, men had to be FULL of the Holy Spirit - Acts 6:3 "Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business."
  • Shall receive power and Shall be witnesess (the Holy Spirit is necessary) - Acts 1:8 "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
  • Reprove world of sin; righteousness and judgment to come - John 16:8 "And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:"
Exercising the Holy Spirit:
  • Pray in the Holy Ghost to build up faith (notice there is a prayer in the Holy Ghost) - Jude 20 "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,"
  • Heavenly language no man can understand - 1 Cor. 14:2 "For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries."
  • Paul said he would that everyone spoke in tongues - 1 Cor. 14:5 "I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying."
  • Pray with Spirit and understanding - 1 Cor. 14:15 "What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also."
  • Paul said he spoke in tongues more then them - 1 Cor. 14:18 "I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:"
  • Paul said FORBID NOT to speak in tongues - 1 Cor 14:39 "Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues"

Poll Results: Wasted Time

The poll question was: I waste too much time (check all that apply)


Cleaning
  3 (5%)
Internet/Computer
  43 (79%)
TV
  17 (31%)
Reading
  9 (16%)
Crafts/Hobbies
  3 (5%)
Gardening
  1 (1%)
Phone
  11 (20%)
Other
  8 (14%)
I don't waste time
  3 (5%)


What I wanted to show in doing this post, was the fact that we all waste time in one shape, form or the other.  Now, I see we all do except for the 3 people that checked that they don't -how come I just don't believe that?  I mean taking the poll was probably wasted time hehe.  =0  I mean, they never waste time?  If any of you 3 would like to leave a comment and please tell us how all your 24 hours each day is perfect and there is no time wasted, I would really like to know!

Notice how the top 3 are all technology!  Technology is wonderful but at the same time we can abuse it and let it eat up our time.  There are wonderful time-useful things to do online, watch on TV (discovery channel) and those that need a talk on the phone in their time of need.  However, there are also raw, mindless, time-wasting things as well.  For instance - I think video games are probably the MOST wasteful use of time LOL.  However, as I've learned fellow-shipping at several houses over the years - men seem to be hooked on gaming and even Pastor Davis said the one advantage of it is you get strong thumbs LOL!   I suppose they might view me doing a blog writing things to help others is a waste time over them saving a virtual city from destruction, but time-wasting is in the eye of the beholder I suppose. 

I just wanted to make the point, besides the 3 that don't - we all waste time sometime.  Find out what you really value and spend more time doing that and less doing those whose value is non-existent.

Related: 24 Hours