Christian Homekeeping

(Proverbs 31:10-31)

1. Morally perfect (v.10)
2. Invaluable (v.10)
3. Trustworthy (v.11)
4. Inherently good and true (v.12)
5. Ingenious - proficient (v.13)
6. Thrifty - laborious (v.14)
7. Dutiful - considerate (v.15)
8. Versatile - judicious (v.16)
9. Tireless -healthy (v.17)
10.  Joyful - efficient (v.18)
11.  Watchful - cautious (v.18)
12.  Skillful (v.19)
13.  Charitable - benevolent (v.20)
14.  Generous - merciful (v.20)
15.  Fearless - provident (v.21)
16.  Clever at decorating - furnishing (v.22)
17.  Refined in taste (v.22)
18.  Respected (v.23)
19.  Industrious - prosperous (v.24)
20.  Dependable - honest (v.25)
21.  Confident - hopeful (v.25)
22.  Wise - discreet (v.26)
23.  Kind - understanding (v.26)
24.  Prudent - practical (v.27)
25.  Energetic - ever active (v.27)
26.  An ideal wife and mother (v.28)
27.  Honored by her family (v.27-28)
28.  Excels in virtue (v.29)
29.  God fearing - humble (v.30)
30.  Deserving - successful (v.31)
31.  Honored by the public (v.31)

Finis Jennings Dake

The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety. -George Mueller

How much have cost us the evils that never happened! - T. Jefferson

Anxiety is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all others thoughts are drained. - Arthur Somers Roche

An average person’s anxiety is focused on:
40% -- things that will never happen
30% -- things about the past that can’t be changed
12% -- things about criticism by others, mostly untrue
10% -- about health, which gets worse with stress
8% -- about real problems that will be faced

I was listening to "Biblical Womanhood" audio today and a question was posed to women:

"To what aspect of my person am I drawing attention?"

This is a powerful question!  As humans, we all want attention.  We all may use some way to get it and some even go the extra mile to KEEP it on them.  Either by being loud and boisterous or dressing in ways so they can make sure the attention rests on them and no one else.  You know what I'm talking about ladies - the woman who, when she is in a room has to be the loudest and raises her voice to hopefully draw the attention of others in the room.  Then there is the woman that, even though claims to be a Christian, wears tight, revealing clothing because she wants to tell the world "Look at me!"  There is a name for those that want excessive attention and I won't say it here but rather call them "Attention Hogs".

We should constantly examine ourselves, our motives and intents of the heart.  In our behavior, we should ask ourselves "am I acting this way because I want to draw attention to myself?"  Am I disturbed that others are taking the attention off of myself?  Do I do outlandish things to bring the attention back on myself?

With dress, especially as women, we can get attention if we want to. Clingy, tight fabrics, plunging necklines and slits that go up to your thigh are usually worn by attention hogs.  Its the first thing you would notice about her and she is telling the world to look at her and check out a few things here and there lol.  Not only does she so desperately want attention from the opposite sex, but she is committing a few sins from lasciviousness to being a stumbling block before her brother in the Lord.  All for what!? Attention!

Some use excessive dramatic stories to keep attention on themselves.  They either expand on true stories by exaggerating them or make up stories to draw attention.  Some even go so far to degrade their husbands so they can receive sympathy or gossip about another to lift their own egos up.

Society is so needing of acceptance but yet, they turn to all the wrong sources for it.  Jesus accepts you as you are when you come to Him.  He not only changes you into a brand new creature he also reprograms your mind!  He is always there and will never leave you as long as you are in Him.  You no longer want all the glory and attention to go to yourself but rather to Jesus.  You aren't seeking acceptance in others because pleasing Jesus is your utmost goal.  It is when we get our eyes off of Jesus and on others - that we are led to be an attention hog.  We aren't offended when someone gets blessed or is praised, we rather rejoice with our brother and sister for the wonderful things God is doing for them!  You also don't delight when they go through bad times or fail!

What could cure the attention hog?  Humility.  It's that simple!  Pride is the root of the attention hog disease.  No one should ever stand in the way of a woman driven by attention hog-ism because she will cut down anything that comes between her and the spotlight!  Humbling oneself is the cure all to many ailments, including being an attention hog.  When we are humble, we don't like praise and don't need pats on the back.  Realizing we are nothing without Christ, we don't want the attention on ourselves but on Jesus.

Also, not seeking acceptance from others but rather from Jesus.   Who cares if the world doesn't "accept" you?  Do you find yourself compromising things to get acceptance from others?  When you only care about God accepting you and pleasing Him - you don't need anyone else's approval!

Keeping our homes, raising up Godly children, loving our husbands, having Godly behavior and dress are ways the Christian woman can bring attention to God!  Not from having a career, having someone else raise your kids, disrespecting your husband - as society so readily treats them as dogs - and not from being loud and showy in behavior and dress.  Can you see the contrast here?  Both 'get' attention - but one is seeking attention not for her own self but for Christ!

Bottomline - its all about motive. Do you do what you do for your own attention and glory OR to bring attention and glory to Christ?

The Basics
- Trinitarian - God the Father, God the Son & God the Holy Spirit
- Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ, not works
- Holy Spirit baptism is subsequent to the new birth and evidenced by speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance
- Water baptism is to show an outward reflection of an inward work
- We must live holy lives and continue in the faith
- Our good works show others our walk with God (fruit tells you what kind of tree), not that works make us saved

The Family Unit
- Women's role is to be a keeper at home
- Husband is the leader or head of the home
- Marriage is for 2 to become one in a perfect union and for procreation to raise up children in the Lord (they are HIS reward)
- Keep our children unspotted from the world by training them up in the way they should go - we homeschool to instill these Godly values
- Abortion or devices that mimic it are murder in the sight of the Lord

Finances
- A tenth of ALL our increase goes to God; which has ordained the church to handle as it sees fit for the furtherance of the gospel
- We must be good stewards of all that God gives us - from money to taking care of this earth through recycling, living frugal and not wasting
- Not having a love of money or mindset to get rich but rather being thankful for what we have; contentment
- Trusting in God to supply ALL our needs, he will never fail, no matter the circumstance!

Modesty & Appearance
- CLEAR distinction of the sexes and attire of each: dresses for women and pants for men
- Long Hair is a woman's glory and her covering and sign of submission to her head and for the angels
- Attire must be modest: loose fitting, not revealing or showing of the thighs, etc.
- Showing shamefacedness and being chaste with an unpainted face or other adornments
- Not having masculine behavior as a woman but feminine and men are not to be effiminate but rather masculine - again CLEAR distinction of the sexes which God intended

Worldliness
- Not involving oneself in the entertainments of this world that have the appearance of evil; keep oneself unspotted from this world and its enticements
- Definitely not a part of worldly establishments such as bars, clubs and such like that are dens of sin and all manner of evil
- Loving the world and its fashions and mentality is strictly forbidden in the Bible - we must be separate and "come out from among them"

There is more but this would get pretty long if I included them all - so basically we believe the FULL gospel!  This is also posted on my sidebar.

Last post I did on my hair was July 2009!  I finally got out the measuring tape today.  As you may recall, I have been growing out my old (2) perms.  Here are the current stats:  My hair is now 32.5 inches long at the longest point in the back.  I have 18 inches of new hair and 14 inches of perm left in some areas and less in others.  Its really tricky because I grew brand new hair around my face that wasn't there before the perm - it is all new and totals 22 inches!  Then I have different lengths all around my head - so go figure.

These stats mean I've lost 5.5 inches of old, processed, permed hair since July.  I knew it would break off, after all - perms are damaging to anyone's hair!  It was sad to watch my hair get shorter and shorter and even some asked me if I cut it - not sure why they thought evil of me and not good - but I haven't cut my hair since 1999 when I was 19.

I took some quick pics today in the bathroom mirror - yes those white spots are spots on my mirror lol.  As you can see I have different lengths all over because the perm doesn't really break off evenly.  You can see my new growth is sleek, shiny and healthy because I hardly ever use heat on it!  I still have to straighten out my permed part and I may do pics on what it looks like before straightening and how I do it to minimize damage. *Update: Here is a video of how I fix the permed portion of my hair.

O, the work that sin has done in the world! This is the enemy that has brought in death; that has robbed and enslaved man, that has turned the world upside down, and sown the dissensions between man and the creatures, between man and man, yea, between man and himself, setting the physical part against the rational, the will against the judgment, lust against conscience; yea, worst of all, between God and man, making the sinner both hateful to God and the hater of God. This is the traitor that thirsted for the blood of the Son of God, that sold Him, that mocked Him, that scourged Him, that spat in His face, that mangled His body . . . condemned Him, nailed Him, crucified Him. . . . This is the bloody executioner that has killed the prophets, burned the martyrs, murdered all the apostles, all the patriarchs, all the kings and potentates; that has destroyed cities, swallowed empires, and devoured whole nations. Whatever weapon it was done by, it was sin that caused the execution. Do you still think it is only a small thing? If Adam and all his children could be dug out of their graves, and their bodies piled up to heaven, and an inquest was made as to what matchless murderer was guilty of all this, it would be all found in sin.

Joseph Alleine 1634 – 1668

I had seen the CNN news report the other day and watched the video of the "celebration" of the birth control pill's 50th anniversary.  The career women at CNN were rejoicing in how it started the sexual revolution and how women didn't have to worry anymore about a child interfering in their lives and careers and sexual pursuits.  They could sleep around with whomever, wherever and not risk the chance of conceiving a child (gasp!) that would prevent them from fulfilling their desires.  Ah, yes.....that lovely little pill paved the way for freedom for the modern woman.  It was the feminists prayer answered.

What did women do BEFORE the pill 50 years ago?  Could it be they had even more of a reason to NOT commit fornication and adultery and thus stayed faithful?  Could it be that they stayed home and fulfilled their Godly role?  Was the birth control pill really the great tool it is played up to be or was it rather the great tool of immorality?

Now the modern woman can have it all - unlimited sex with multiple partners, careers and nothing but herself to be responsible for.  In the words of our current President - rejoice women because you shouldn't have "to be punished with a baby!"

There is an awesome article to further your reading here.

Person A's life consists of displaying perfection.  She doesn't have time for her children because she is too busy being perfect.  She prides herself on her self-perceived perfection and thinks that others feel the same. However, others see neglected children dressed in rags all the while her home is pristine and she is groomed to the max.  She constantly scoffs at others imperfections, lack of grooming and untidy homes to boost her own self esteem.  They see Mrs. Perfect decked out in her finest array and then they see standing next to her - disheveled, disobedient, crying for attention children.

Person B's life consists of herself.  She doesn't have time for her children much less her house.  She neglects both and could care less about her appearance.  If someone is ever in need she doesn't have the time because she is too busy worrying about herself and her problems and her life.  She is self-consumed and therefore has no room for anyone else.  Her children AND her home display her laziness. 

Person C's life consists of serving others but her own.  She is so busy doing "good works" for others and helping those in need that she neglects the very best - her children.  She showers others children with gifts and candy and gives her own cardboard to play with and oatmeal for a treat.  (insert hysterical laughter)  She prides herself on what she thinks is her selfless spirit and generosity yet others see her pitiful neglected children.  She therefore makes the good the enemy of the very best.

Person D's life consists of the proper balance.  She understands she must keep her home but at the same time she doesn't let it come first over her chidren (and husband).  Her children know they are loved because she doesn't choose dishes over them.  She would rather have a few piles of laundry undone and happy, loved children than a pristine home and neglected little ones. She understands that she will always have to clean her home but her children are only young for a short time.  She would rather her children have the best and herself lacking. 

Which one are you? In case you were wondering, Person D is the correct balance! 

“Take heed what you hear” (Mark 4:24): the word “hear” obviously includes what is read, for that which is written or printed is addressed to the ears of our intellect. Few people today realize the urgent need for “taking heed” unto what they read. Just as the natural food which is eaten either helps or hinders the body—so the mental food we receive either benefits or injures the mind, and that, in turn, affects the heart. Just as it is harmful to listen to the rubbish and poison which is being served from the great majority of present-day pulpits—so it is exceedingly injurious to the soul to read most of what is now being published. “Take heed what you hear” and read! - A.W. Pink


"Christian apologetics and discernment are very serious things. It is very easy to incorporate the ways of the world into method and focus in this. When this happens then attacks on professing Christians come from an impure motive. This then causes the ones making the accusations to use slander, speaking evil against their target falsely. They revile the Christian, persecuting him and his ministry using innuendo. They have no real evidence that their accusations are true. Guilt by association is their bludgeon and their usage is meant to deceive many into believing their false report."

Envies, — are the envies or pains felt and malignity conceived at the sight of excellence or happiness. It is a synonym of “malice.” I have often wondered why some people always attack excellent Bible teachers and scholars as they attempt to discredit them or whatever. However, as these men of God become more and more firm in their adherence to God’s truth as the solid foundation for their ministries rather than the philosophies of men or man-made religion then they will be attacked, but there will be no grounds for attack in how they handle God’s Word nor in how they preach and teach it. No, the attacks will be focused on their humanity instead with the hope of discrediting them on that basis. This is why it is critical for us to have Christ as our firm foundation instead of any man.

Evil speaking, — describes the backbiting, slanderous attacks on a Christian meant as defamation. This is attack from the motive of discredit, not the fruit of real Christian discernment. What is the difference? The difference is that real Christian discernment is based on the comparison of what one teaches or says with what God’s Word says. On the other hand, this is based on innuendo, guilt by association, and the illogical definition of terms and will always have as its motive the discredit of the target Christian." - Mike Ratliff

This is absolutely amazing!  This is the answer from a Court Justice back in 1873 denying this Bradwell woman the office of a lawyer.  Although, some mock some of these words - how true they are and in line with God's word.  We need more men and women that will keep the "harmony of the family institution" as Justice Bradley describes below.

BRADWELL V. ILLINOIS (1873)

Justice Bradley concurring in the opinion of the Court.

The civil law, as well as nature herself, has always recognized a wide difference in the respective spheres and destinies of man and woman. Man is, or should be, woman's protector and defender. The natural and proper timidity and delicacy which belongs to the female sex evidently unfits it for many of the oc-cupations of civil life. The constitution of the family organization, which is founded in the divine ordinance, as well as in the nature of things, indicates the domestic sphere as that which properly belongs to the domain and functions of womanhood. The harmony, not to say the identity, of interests and views which belong, or should belong, to the family institution is repugnant to the idea of a woman adopting a distinct and independent career from that of her husband. So firmly fixed was this sentiment in the founders of the common law that it became a maxim of that system of jurisprudence that a woman had no legal existence separate from her husband, who was regarded as her head and representative in the social state; and, notwithstanding some recent modifications of this civil status, many of the special rules of law flowing from and dependent upon this cardinal principle still exist in full force in most States. One of these is, that a married woman is incapable, without her husband's consent, of making contracts which shall be binding on her or him. This very incapacity was one circumstance which the Supreme Court of Illinois deemed important in rendering a married woman incompetent fully to perform the duties and trusts that belong to the office of an attorney and counsellor.

It is true that many women are unmarried and not affected by any of the duties, complications, and incapacities arising out of the married state, but these are exceptions to the general rule. The paramount destiny and mission of woman are to fulfil the noble and benign offices of wife and mother. This is the law of the Creator. And the rules of civil society must be adapted to the general constitution of things, and cannot be based upon exceptional cases.

The humane movements of modern society, which have for their object the multiplication of avenues for women's advancement, and of occupations adapted to her condition and sex, have my heartiest concurrence. But I am not prepared to say that it is one of her fundamental rights and privileges to be admitted into every office and position, including those which require highly special qualifications and demanding special responsibilities. In the nature of things it is not every citizen of every age, sex, and condition that is qualified for every calling and position. It is the prerogative of the legislator to prescribe regulations founded on nature, reason, and experience for the due admission of qualified persons to professions and callings demanding special skill and confidence. This fairly belongs to the police power of the State; and, in my opinion, in view of the peculiar characteristics, destiny, and mission of woman, it is within the province of the legislature to ordain what offices, positions, and callings shall be filled and discharged by men, and shall receive the benefit of those energies and responsibilities, and that decision and firmness which are presumed to predominate in the sterner sex.

For these reasons I think that the laws of Illinois now complained of are not obnoxious to the charge of abridging any of the privileges and immunities of citizens of the United States.

Source: 16 Wallace 130 (1873).

Below are things, that I've found through my own experiences, that relieve stress and stop life from taking its toll on you:

• Prayer - cast ALL your care upon Him!  
• Meditation - meditate on God's word, even just one verse
• Pilates - I do a combination of Pilates/yoga with Denise Austin's Mat Workout
• Hot baths - light the candles, close the doors and play soft music if you want or just sit in quietness and relax!
• Deep Breathing - close your eyes and do several deep breaths and then normal breathing and keep your entire concentration on each breath
• Reading - read a novel or something non-stimulating
• Nature Walks - take a walk and enjoy all that God created!  Notice the birds singing their songs, take note on the design of creation
• Fellowship - hang out with friends or family for a night of fun; just relax and laugh and enjoy each other's company.
• Vacations - I've found that I NEED these!  Even just a weekend getaway has rejuvenated me and helped me return home refreshed and feeling positive.  My favorite is a cabin in the mountains by the river - would be almost perfect if not for the mosquitoes!
• Sleep - don't skimp on it!  Also try and keep your routine regular with same time going to bed and waking up
• Keep Life Simple - simplifying has helped me have less to do and less stress!  I'm still working on this and constantly getting rid of things and the more I purge, the better I feel!  Organization falls into this category too - eliminate the stress of trying to find something by having "a place for everything and everything in its place"

I can't take anything - no antihistamines, no decongestants, no pain relievers so I've learned things that are really working and helping me do daily things despite this sinus pain/pressure/stuffiness.  Here is what I use:

• Echinacea - 3 times a day in liquid tincture form; usually shortens the duration of the cold - I take it with astragalus and there is some sort of instant boost and overall feeling better that lasts for an hour or so
• Astragalus - I was taking this daily and then stopped and now back to taking it since I'm sick - I notice immediate boost after drinking this, it does something lol.  Taken 3 times a day.
• Raw Garlic Cloves - currently swallowing 2 a day; its anti-biotic, anti-bacterial and all those other anti's lol.  
• Neti-pot - definitely works!  Doing this nasal washing about 4 times a day 
• Hot washcloth - as hot as my faucet gets, I soak the washcloth and then immediately place it over my forehead, eyes and nose area and hold it there till it starts cooling and then repeat; gives instant pain relief
• Steam bath - I fill my large pot with 8 cups of water and bring to a rolling boil and then remove from heat and put a towel over it and I get under there and let it do its magic!  I do about 10 minutes twice a day - it really works for pain relief!!
• Vitamin C - taking 1/4 tsp powdered pure ascorbic acid in 8oz water 2-4 times a day - 10,000mg or more a day when sick
• Apple Cider Vinegar - just tried this for my sinuses last night; 1T in 10oz water 2-3 times a day; it actually did give immediate relief but only lasted a while - seems like I could breath better for a while
• Hot drinks or just Hot water!   Also drink lots and lots of water to thin mucous.

Saw this on another blog today and thought it was awesome!

For one, I care little for the government which presides at  Washington, in comparison with the government which rules the millions  of American homes. No administration can seriously harm us if our home  life is pure, frugal, and godly. No statesmanship or legislation can  save us, if once our homes become the abode of profligacy. The home  rules the nation. If the home is demoralized, it will ruin it. The real  seed corn whence our Republic sprang was the Christian households  represented in the Mayflower, or the family alter of the Hollander  and the Huguenot. All the best characters, best legislation,  best institutions, and best church life were cradled in those early  homes. They were the taproot of the Republic, and of the American  churches. - Theodore L. Cuyler 1822 – 1909

Not necessarily medicine but for classification purpose, I decided to go ahead and call it that because it is in a way - just not the traditional approach.  I will be updating this post and my sidebar as I stock up my cabinet.  I used to use so many herbal remedies and supplements years ago and now we are returning to a more alternative approach.

• Astragalus - my #1 choice for improving my immune system; dosage: 1tsp daily
• Echinacea - only taken 10 days at a time at the first sign of sickness; dosage: 1tsp 4x day when sick
• Raw organic garlic - 1 clove a day for good health; 2 cloves a day when sick
• Garlic oil - ear drops when have a cold or ear infection; dosage: 2x day when sick
• Fish oil - from deep ocean waters not farm-raised fish!  Molecular distilled with no pcbs/dioxins and guaranteed purity and potency with no mercury; dosage: 1200mg daily
• L-lysine - 1000mg daily when sick
• Black Currant Oil - dosage: 500mg 2x daily for hair growth, skin and nails
• Dr Weil supplements - currently taking his multivitamin daily
• Cal-Mag supplement - taken at night for health and sleep
• Pure Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C in powdered form) - 1/4tsp daily for health, more when sick
• Pure Ascorbic Acid TOPICAL (Vitamin C in powdered form) - add a few drops of water with 1/4t powder and few pinches of baking soda and mix as a paste.  Apply topically to cold sores several times a day during an outbreak.
• Melatonin - taken on nights I have trouble sleeping or need to reset my biological clock
• Apple Cider Vinegar (organic) - always cures my stomach ache or digestive issues!  dosage: 1tsp in 8oz water
• Probiotics - combination of good bacteria that includes Lactobacillus GG; 5 billion per pill potency; dosage: 2x day when sick and DEFINITELY when on antibiotics!
• Chamomile - used in tea for upset stomach or when I need to feel calm!
• Peppermint - normally taken in tea for heartburn, stomach or digestive issues
• Tea Tree Oil - any skin problems or fungal infections; I also use it in my all-purpose homemade cleaner

My daughter wears dresses only, so this post is discussing just skirts/dresses/tops/coats, etc.  I've received a lot of questions on this topic, so I thought it would be a help to others to share how I do it.

I thought I would give some tips and ideas for those with girls in dressing them and were you can find good clothing and how to get the most use out of your daughter's clothing.  I plan on making my daughter's clothes hopefully in the future but up until then I have been buying most of her clothes at Gymboree and ebay.  You may say "why spend all that money for Gymboree clothes?"  Well, I've have learned that higher quality clothing lasts longer than say clothing from Wal-mart that barely lasts a year! 

Here is how I shop for my daughter:

• Buy clothing 1-3 sizes too big, depending on length
  
• Make sure you have tights and shoes and accessories to match
  
• Feel the fabric - you can tell if it is sturdy and will not fade easily

The reason I buy my daughter's clothes big is because I want them to last a few years.  For instance, I bought her several lines from Gymboree when she was 2 and she wore those outfits up until she turned 5!  They didn't fade and now that she has outgrown them, I'm saving them for our next little girl.  All I had to do was buy the bigger tights and shoes on ebay.  This winter, because she has grown out of a lot of things, it was time to purchase a large amount of clothes and I got them all mostly in size 10/12, even though 7/8 is more her size right now.  I expect the clothes we bought will last her 3 winters, along with the coats I purchased.  It has worked for us since she was 2 years old!

I'm so impressed with the high quality in Gymboree's clothing and how it has stood up to many a washing and even after 2 1/2 years use, it can be used again for the next child and still looks almost new!  That to me is worth the investment.  With some of her corduroy items, they fade quicker than any other fabric I've had and I use Rit dyes to bring them back to their rich color.

The only problem we have had with buying larger sizes in dresses is the first year of wearing them.  For instance, this year - the size 12's are very big on her but I simply use a fabric fit clip in the back to cinch the waist and then roll under the sleeves.  The coats that she has worn since she was 3 are now too small, so I had to purchase those as well and know they will give us at least 3 winters worth of use!

Since my daughter is homeschooled, I don't have to buy her school clothes.  I buy her church clothes, since we go 4-5 times a week and then I buy her a few "going out to the store" clothes and then play clothes usually come from the second hand store. I hate going in "kook" stores and they always make me sneeze and itch all over but I do maybe once a year go to Value Village and get some used clothes for my daughter's play clothes (playing outside, vacations, etc) and wash them really good.  I'm itching right now just thinking of Value Village LOL!!!!!!  =0 However, I'm thankful that we have such places for those times we have been in need in past years and it was a blessing to have those stores.

Taking care of the clothes: I wash them all on delicate in cold water and hang some to dry and for others, I put them in the dryer on delicate/low. For stains, I use Tide-2-Go pen or shout gel.

I try and make sure I don't buy anything that she doesn't have shoes that match.  However, black shoes match almost anything - but there have been some outfits I really couldn't see going with even black shoes or any other she had and so I didn't purchase them. 

My daughter wears a lot of tights, but in the summer months when she doesn't wear tights under her dresses/skirts, she has some stretchy or cotton shorts underneath when playing.  I've seen the Duggar girls when they play sports have those stretch biker shorts to the knees and those work really well for girls when riding their bikes, playing outside, playgrounds, etc.

I like to earn Gymbucks, if you are unfamiliar with this program, it is basically buying items during the time to earn Gymbucks and then spending those Gymbucks during redemption week.  If you purchase $100 worth during the earning period, you get $50 in Gymbucks.  So when the week comes to redeem those Gymbucks - you get $100 worth of stuff for just $50!  It works really well for us and I got $100 worth of free clothes last week.  I also do the Gymboree Rewards.  I normally earn the Gymbucks at the Gymboree Outlet and then you can only spend them at the regular Gymboree store.  The outlet is cheaper than the regular store.  The great thing about Gymboree is that they match everything for you!  Each line is interchangeable and everything matches, so you just have to pick out what outfit you want.

Psalm 97:10

"Ye that love the LORD, hate evil"

 Thou hast a good reason to hate evil, for only consider what harm it has already wrought thee.  Oh, what a world of mischief sin has brought into my heart!  Sin blinded thee so that thou couldst not see the beauty of the Saviour; it made thee death so that thou couldst not hear the Redeemer's tender invitations.  Sin turned thy feet into the way of death, and poured poison into the very fountain of thy being; it tainted thy heart, and made it "deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked."  Oh, what a creature thou was when evil had done its utmost with thee, before divine grace interposed! thou wast an heir of wrath even as others; thou didst "run with the multitude to do evil."  Such were all of us; but Paul reminds us, "but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

We have good reason, indeed, for hating evil when we look back and trace its deadly workings.  Such mischief did evil do us, that our souls would have been lost had not omnipotent love interfered to redeem us.  Even now it is an active enemy, ever watching to do us hurt, and to drag us to perdition.  Therefore "hate evil" O Christians, unless you desire trouble.  If you would strew your path with thorns, and plant nettles in your death-pillow, then neglect to "hate evil"; but if you would live a happy life, and die a peaceful death, then walk in all the ways of holiness, hating evil, even until the end. 

If you truly love your Saviour, and would honour Him, then "hate evil."  We know of no cure for the love of evil in a Christian like abundant intercourse with the Lord Jesus.  Dwell much with Him, and it is impossible for you to be at peace with sin.




by Charles Spurgeon

I contend there has never once been a great revival without the preaching against sin.  Without feeling the very fires of hell and awfulness of sin - one has not been brought to salvation.  Flowery messages and pats on the back have never produced a great revival in which the sinner is turned towards God. One-sided preaching is not only un-biblical it is often the practice of such preachers who can't bear the criticism and hatred of people for their own egos but rather want the acclaim and love of men.  They want to make "God seem like a doting old granddaddy with no righteousness, no holiness and no wrath against sin."

If people never become lost, how can they ever be saved?  A sinner can never be saved without repentance.  So how will a preacher who never preaches the full gospel lead a sinner to repentance?  Repentance of what?  If there is no preaching and no conscience being brought to the realization of sin, then how will people know they are in need of a Saviour?  What should they be saved from?  "Until sin is made hateful, Christ is not made lovable and desirable.  Until a man sees himself a great sinner, he does not see Christ as a great Saviour."

Great revivals are brought on by great preachers of God.  God tells us in his word in Romans 10:14 "...how shall they hear without a preacher?"  We can look at accounts from the Old and New Testaments to see the evidence of this great truth.  Jonah tried to run from God's commission but eventually he went and cried against the city and their wickedness as God instructed. Jonah 1:2 For the city to be revived and to be turned back to God - a preacher was sent by God to cry out against them and their sin!  Then great revival came to Ninevah because of one man denouncing sin and God spared them!

What about Isaiah?  We could be here all day sharing his wisdom but let's look at a few concerning what God required in his time.  How did God tell Isaiah to speak to the people?  In quiet, soothing tones with flowery messages that made them feel oh so good?

Isaiah 58:1

"Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins."

Whew!  God instructed to cry aloud and lift up the voice like a trumpet!  What was he to show the people?  Their transgression and their sin. There are many other examples in the Old Testament of what preaching really is but what about the New Testament?  Did God change his hatred for evil?

What about the man whom Jesus himself said "there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist."?  Matthew 11:11  John the Baptist was the boldest of bold at that time.  He not only name-called the religious leaders but he got even more personal and rebuked King Herod for his adultery!  He was so bold against sin that it cost him his head!  How many preachers today have lost their head for preaching against sin?  Are there any left that bold and that "great" as Jesus said John the Baptist was?  To preach even if it cost you your own head - now that's some real Holy Spirit filled preaching!  This is what Jesus calls a GREAT preacher!

Peter boldly accused the others for the murder of Jesus!  Acts 2:23  He denounced sin, not only in sinners, but Christians as well.  Going so far as to see God strike one couple, Ananias and Sapphira, dead in front of him.  "Tradition says that Peter was crucified downward by those that hated that 'kind' of preaching."

Stephen preached so boldly against sin the people couldn't stand it anymore as his words cut them to their heart, they ran on him and gnashed on him with their TEETH and beat him to death with stones!  How many preachers today have preached so hot for God that their own life was taken away from them?

Lastly, we will discuss Paul.  I love Paul, he was my kind of preacher!  He didn't back up for anyone and no wonder God let him write so many books in the Bible because he truly was a man of God.  How about the sorcerer who tried to prevent Sergius Paulus from hearing Paul's message?  Did Paul just let this man stand in the way of another's salvation?  NO!  He boldly stated:

Acts 13:10

"O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?"

He then continued praying for this man's blindness and God blinded him!  Then guess what happened?  Sergius Paulus saw and heard Paul's rebuke of this man and the judgment of God and it led him to salvation!  One man standing up and being bold against sin, caused another man to repent.   Sometimes it is for those around others that we must take a bold stand in public.

Paul continued to preach against just about every sin in the book and instructed others to do so as well.  He didn't preach a one-sided gospel, he preached the full gospel!  Because Paul was bold and a denouncer of sin he faced persecution from having to flee in the middle of the night to being stoned and left for dead to scars in his body.  He suffered for Christ's sake.  He could have said "I don't want to offend anyone and have enemies so I will just calm down a bit".  No way!  Paul was not like some preachers today because Paul demanded repentance everywhere he went.

If preachers are preaching what God wants they will be hated in this world.  For the greatest preacher of all, Jesus himself, was hated and he told us:

John 15:18

"If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you."

The Great Revival in our land rests in the hands of God's preachers.  Will they be willing to give their life or their "head" by preaching bold against sin to bring others to repentance?  Or will they cowardly back away and become as the watchman in Isaiah who it says "are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter."

1 Timothy 5:20
"Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear."

2 Timothy 4:2
"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine."

Titus 1:13
"This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;"


A sinner must first realize he is lost in sin before he can ever be saved and God chose the "foolishness of preaching" to bring about this realization.  He needs a preacher to show him his sinful condition and need for a Saviour! 

Some items in quotations are quotes from John R. Rice

I came across this article today in the UK's Daily Mail.  It was asking the question if working moms should feel guilty.  I want to concentrate on the first part of the story - the woman with experience.  The Mother who had children and is feeling, 20 years later, regret.  She worked and missed a lot of her children's life.  At first she did it just because and then she was divorced and it was a necessity at that time for her to work.  However, she got married again and recently chose to stay home with her children.  Then she realized the error of her ways with her previous children. 

Here are some of her quotes:

It may seem strange to some, but it is only recently that I have felt able to acknowledge that mixing work and children comes with its downsides. Why did it take me so long? Part of me doggedly believed I had to stick to my 'line' - that work gave me independence, adventure and, of course, money. But I have to admit that another part didn't want to examine what the effect of more than 20 years of working motherhood had had on my children. 

It's obvious, perhaps, but what I give them now, which I rarely could before, is my attention.

I am also happy to be discovering so much more about the joys of spending real, unrushed time with them.

Her answer to those choosing to work over staying home with their children:

'Are you sure that it's the right thing to do for everyone - children and husband included - and not just you?'

When you stop and look it at, you see that it isn't about you anymore.  It is about your children.  They need love and attention!  You let go of your selfishness and love of money.  You realize the things in life that are most important are the things you can take to Heaven with you.

1 Kings 18-20

Tonight's message was just what I needed! Pastor preached about Elijah and Ahab and the abundance of rain.  Ahab tried to blame it all on Elijah for causing the problems but Elijah threw it back in its proper place and told Ahab, it isn't me that troubleth - its you and your people's wickedness!  Isn't that like some to blame the one who preached the word of God?  But Elijah was bold and he told them it was their own wickedness that troubleth Israel!  Elijah had those that worshiped Baal do a 'showdown' of gods.  You may remember the story how Elijah taunted them and told them to scream louder, maybe their god can't hear them.  Then God came and showed himself to everyone that day with Elijah's sacrifice.  Even after that great victory, Elijah goes and gets discouraged.  Ain't that like us sometimes?  lol  Moping and pouting about how bad we have it waa waa waa!  Sometimes you just have to tell yourself to SHUT UP! 

Notice that Elijah was one of the greatest prophets, yet he himself was even able to let satan discourage him into thinking that there was no one left that was righteous.  God asked him twice "what doest thou here Elijah!?!?"  Elijah kept whining that no one is left and he's tried to stand for God and waa waa but wait.......did God smite him because of his pity party?  No!  God encouraged him!!  What did God tell Elijah?  He told him to open up his eyes!!  There are 7,000 that have not bowed their knee - there are those who haven't turned over to wickedness!  Christian, be encouraged that there are those who will stand and be counted.  There are those who just like Elijah will wave the flag for God and not bow to satan.  God wants you to know there are others living holy, you are not alone.

I've been where Elijah was before and its not a fun place to be.  However, I've learned over the years, that even if wickedness and compromise surrounds you and seems like everyone is doing it, you can rest assured that there are those which have not bowed the knee.  Though sometimes we can't see for the cloud around us and our circumstance - we can know that God has not forsaken us.  Pastor was even mentioning tonight about some preachers in our organization who are out preaching we are the only ones saved.  How wrong they are!  I'm in a group with about 400 other holiness women who attend holiness, trinitarian churches across the US that preach and teach the same as NTCC!  These ladies are fine as gold and God exudes from their life and its wonderful to be in the fellowship of the saints!  They love to talk about God and soul winning and the wonderful things God has done in their life.  Since being in the group - I've been strengthened by them and edified.  Since seeing the others out there, it has given me hope and its been a wonderful fellowship.

Pastor was also talking about smiling through it all, even when you are discouraged, etc.  This is something I had to teach myself over the years.  People ask me a lot why I smile all the time and seem so happy.  I had one lady think that I never had a battle because of my cheerful personality.  I explained to her that I sure 'nuff do have battles lol - but I make it a point to smile and be happy around others because it could be worse!  A phrase I often say (that i got from Dave Ramsey) when others ask how I'm doing is "Better than I deserve!!!"  I've been pretty sick over the years and at times almost died, so I know that it most definitely CAN be worse.  What I'm suffering now is nothing compared to what I used to suffer in my body - so why complain!?!?  I have it so much better than I used to! 

Once Elijah got over his pity party, he got out of that self-pity pit!!  Don't be downtrodden, that is what satan wants.  If satan can get you down, he's got you!  Count your joy something so special that you guard it and don't let anyone rob it from you!  Keep yourself unspotted from the world and be a testimony and example to others. As another Pastor preached a few services ago - guard your treasures, those that God has given you and those of your church.  Don't let satan steal God's treasures!  A peaceful mind is often the first thing that goes when we got our eyes off of Jesus.  However, all we have to do is get our eyes back on him and the peace and joy floods back in.  Ignore satan on the sidelines waving his sin for all to see - don't give him the time of day and just go on and that will be the greatest hit to satan that you could give.  He hates to be brushed off as uneffective!!!

The message was a great reminder to not go to the place of discouragement and stay there but realize that God knows all and sees all and just get up and go on and keep serving God!  We are on our way to glory!!