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A Few Thoughts on Blogging
I've been thinking about this blog a lot recently and blogging in general. When I started blogging last year, it was with the intent of sharing day-to-day activities with friends who enjoy keeping up with me, writing about things which were on my heart, and occasionally, addressing some of the topics I'm passionate about. After writing for a few weeks and starting to get comments and questions, I found I really enjoyed blogging. After a few more months and a few controversial topics, I had become a real die-hard blogger -- in fact, I was almost constantly thinking about what I was going to blog about next or worrying about how people were going to respond to the latest post I had written. My husband and a few others graciously reprimanded me for spending too much time blogging (my husband, of all people, should definitely know if I have my priorities out of whack -- Dinner and clean clothes do need to take a precedence over computer time!) and for having a condescending attitude in my posts (Which I know I have been guilty of so much of the time -- I'm a stubborn, opinionated person and need all of the compassion and mercy that the Lord has to offer!). Since then, although I am still not as gracious and humble as I would like to be (God isn't finished with me yet!), nor can I say that I am always perfect at sticking to my small window of time allowed for blogging each day, this blog has taken much more of a back burner in my life. In the past 2 months, I have especially cut back on blogging -- I blog when I have time and inspiration. 5 minutes here, 5 minutes there, or during my alloted blogging time on the schedule (if I'm not busy doing something else). Blogging has become a very enjoyable exercise, in addition being an excellent growing experience, causing me to think and examine what I believe, and learning to articulate that in a loving, but passionate manner (still perfecting that!). I've met so many wonderful people and had a lot of interesting opportunities present themselves through blogging. I remember in my early blogging days (i.e. eight months ago), we were having a lively discussion about blogging with C.S. Hayden and I was saying how shocked I was to be receiving 100 and sometimes even 200 visits per day to my blog. I made a little smirky comment about how I was hoping to someday have 1,000 visits per day. I was completely joking at the time, but I did think it would be rather incredible to have such a "large" audience. Little did I know I would actually be receiving almost that amount of traffic everyday just eight months later. I am still baffled as to why people find the crazy little rants and musings of this petite "uneducated" housewife to have any bearings on the world in general. It never ceases to amaze me. All I know is that if there is anything here which is an inspiration or an encouragement, the glory goes to God. I am nothing, that's for sure. Although having a "larger" blog readership is a wonderful thing, it is not without a huge responsibility. I am responsible before God for what is on this blog. It is a reflection of my husband and of my Lord. I never want to bring shame upon either of them. I receive a lot of negative emails and comments -- many of which never are seen by any of you. I will just be completely honest and say, I like people to like me and I don't like people to not like me. If someone writes a negative email or strongly disagrees with me, it can upset or hurt me. But, God uses these to keep me humble. If everyone was always writing and telling me how much they enjoyed my blog, I'm sure I would feel reason to pat myself on the back for being such an astute thinker or great writer. Since I get plenty of negative emails (some of which are loving rebukes which are very warranted and needful!), it helps me to remembering my many short-comings and how far I have to go. I don't know why God has allowed so many to read this blog. It can be overwhelming at times -- I receive many emails and I want to help everyone and answer all of their deep questions. But, I'm only 24, I only have 24 hours in my day, and I certainly don't have many answers. The only answer I do have for anything is that God's grace is sufficient. I don't know how much longer the Lord will have this blog be a part of my life. I've told my husband that the day he tells me it's time for it to go, it goes. I know that this is only a season in my life. I've learned a lot, I've grown a lot, and I've realized how much I have left to learn. When God moves me on, I want to joyfully follow. Thank you to so many of you who have blessed me, encouraged me, lovingly rebuked me, patiently listened to me, and taken time from your busy lives to read and comment here. I have been having trouble keeping up with comments recently, so my husband suggested that I keep comment moderation on all the time. I may change this at a later date, but for now, please continue to post comments, it might just take me a day or so to go and moderate them. This allows me more freedom to not have to constantly be moderating things throughout the day and also allows me to remove any distasteful comments without them ever being posted. I love the give and take and the insightful comments and dialogue, but as the traffic increases, the comment moderation time was increasing as well. Thank you for your understanding. May the Lord bless each and every one of you!
Revisiting "The End of the Spear"
Last week, I posted some thoughts and some articles on The End of the Spear. This produced some very interesting discussion and sparked some heated controversy on other blogs. I did not intend for it to create such a stir, nor to have so many people upset at me. I was hoping to give people facts and food for thought and then let you pray and seek the Lord as to what is best for you. I believe that, as Christians, we need to be discussing these types of things in this day and age -- as long as our discussions are spurring each other on towards Godliness and holiness and not done with malice or ill-will. We must constantly be holding everything up in the light of Scripture. I received an email today from someone with a link to a few articles that had further information which discredited some of the things I orginally had linked to. Since I want to always do my best to share the truth, I feel it is necessary to encourage you to read Jason Janz' follow-up article where he shares how some of what he had written was incorrect.I also encourage you to read this rather lengthy article by Randy Alcorn. Though I don't necessarily agree with all the conclusions, he had a lot of excellent thoughts. I know sometimes it seems like I am rather critical of modern evangelicalism. I am trying to find the balance between truth and love -- as I've alluded to in recent comments and posts. We need to engage the culture, we need to hold everything up in the light of Scripture, we need to stand for Truth, but we need to do all this in love. Pray for me to have God's wisdom and God's love.
Mothering Never Stops
This post by Carrie was so good. I wholeheartedly agree. I love hearing the viewpoint that "I homeschool my kids because I like my kids!". Some parents can't wait until their kids start school so they can get them out of the house and couldn't imagine homeschooling and having kids "underfoot" all day. I love reading about people who love their children and want to invest their lives in them! I want to be that kind of parent. I want to view the children God gives us as precious, as an opportunity to learn and grow myself as well as teach and help mature them. I want my children and my husband to know that I never want any career other than to be a godly wife and mother; that they are precious to me and that I want to invest my life in them. I want to be with my family, teaching them and learning together.
Catechism Cards
What are the catechism cards which you use, Crystal? My daughter is 8 1/2 months and I'm beginning to look at doing more with her than just the Bible songs and readings. - JC
It seems like everytime I post something about doing catechism cards with Kathrynne, one or more people write to ask about these! Here's a post I did earlier which has more information on these simple, homemade cards. In about 15 minutes, you could make your own! I also wanted to mention something we have just started doing with Kathrynne which I forgot to add to the Discipling Young Children post. My mom bought us the Bible on tape and we play this for Kathrynne during her morning play time in her playpen and when she lays down for her naps. Just another way to encourage her to know the Holy Scriptures from the time she is a young child.
Tidbits from Yesterday's Sermon
If we fit in comfortably with the world, something is wrong.If we are living a life of ease, we need to examine our salvation. No Christian will live a life of ease. The Christian life is a life of hardship -- It is a life of taking up our Cross and following. God hasn't promised us "flowery beds of ease" but rather grace which is sufficient! Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith!
Stay-at-Home Wives
HomeLiving Helper has another wonderful post on Stay-At-Home wives (thanks to Mrs. B for the link). Here are a few tidbits: [I]n a society where so many mothers consider it normal to leave their children in the care of others and search for fulfilment outside home, a wife who chooses to stay home even without having children is an object of great surprise. "Whatever are they doing at home???", asks the world.
Ladies, there are enough things to do at home even without children. The duties of any mother are noble and sacred, yet the duties of a wife are noble and sacred as well. Mom of 9 wrote in her article on Woman's purpose that when the LORD God created the first woman, He was not thinking that somewhere over there a child needed his diaper changed, no, the woman was created to be a help meet to the man. Of course, it includes taking care of the children the couple will eventually get, but if they have none, she is still supposed to be a help meet.
What if the husband gets sick and must stay at home for a couple of days? There will be no one to nurse him, because his wife works. What if he is planning to surprise his wife, to take a day off and go somewhere with the two of them? The wife must first ask her boss's permission. What if the husband needs her help at home today, but the boss says she must work overtime? We all know, that if a woman doesn't choose her employer's wishes above those of her husband, she will be fired.
According to the Bible, the woman has to obey her own husband. When at the same time she works for somebody else, she is, in fact, trying to serve two masters. Holy Scriptures warn us that it won't lead to anything good. In fact, according to a research conducted in our country, the husbands of working women tend to feel neglected. The more hours the wife works, the more neglected the husband feels. It creates tension in marriage and can eventually lead to divorce. Read the full post here.
Our Little Princess
 Kathrynne, on her birthday, with her books and birthday "tiara" -- courtesy of Jesse's family. (I can't believe she actually left the "tiara" on her head for 15 minutes or so!)
Have a Blessed Sunday!
My husband and I have committed to set aside every Sunday as a day of rest and renewing our spirits in the Lord. We keep our computers off and also have purposed not to spend money, except in the case of an emergency (Please note: This is something we just feel God would have for our family for this season of our lives -- If God hasn't led your family to similar convictions, that is totally okay!). This has been such a blessing to us to have one day in seven which is free from the normal distractions of life in order to focus on the Lord and each other and to rest and quiet our hearts before the Lord. Last week, I instigated comment moderation on Sunday and it worked so well, I have decided to do this every Sunday. For those who may be wondering what comment moderation is, it is a feature on Blogger that I can select which allows you to comment, but the comments won't show up until they are approved. You are free to comment, but I won't be reviewing or approving any comments until Monday. This just allows me one less distraction on Sunday. May you have a blessed day of rest and refreshment tomorrow!
One Year Ago Today...
...I gave birth to a little baby girl. My life will never be the same. I am so blessed. "For this child I prayed and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of Him..." In honor of her birthday, I'm posting pictures of her very first "ponytail" which I succeeded in getting her hair into a couple days ago. I had no clue it would take such effort and work to get her little wisps of hair into the tiny velcro clip all the while trying to keep her still enough to do so. After many failed attempts, we finally did it. Here's proof:     And, the back view. The lighting showed up best on this for some reason. I really need my photography-whiz sister to give me some pointers on shooting better pictures. I have no skill in that area. But, oh well, at least I take a lot of pictures. Someday maybe I'll know how to take "good" pictures. :) In the mean time, anytime I see a little girl with a clip or ponytail in her hair, I am going to have a much greater appreciation to her mother for the effort she put into getting the ponytail or clip there in the first place!
Discipling Little Ones
How you are "discipling" your little one now? How are you preparing her to follow Jesus? -MM Hi, MM! Thanks for the great question. Although I feel wholly inadequate to give out parenting advice (maybe in 25 years from now?), I'd be glad to share some things we are doing with Kathrynne . These are just very simple things, nothing profound!
1. We are praying with her on a daily basis and also praying for her -- privately and together. We pray for her salvation, for her future, for her spouse, marriage, for our future generations. We also pray earnestly that the Lord would give us His wisdom to train her and raise her in the ways of the Lord. When we pray with her, we try to keep it short and simple and explain to her why we are praying and what prayer is. She may not completely understand right now, but we hope that she will soon. 2. We read Scripture to her on a daily basis -- I am reading to her from beginning to end of the Bible, a chapter or two per day. Jesse often reads the Bible to her in the morning, and then she is usually present for our family worship time. 3. We talk to her about the Lord -- As I go about the day, I try to use every opportunity to talk to her about God, to acknowledge God, and to teach her to have a reverential fear of the Lord. We also talk to her about our goals and desires for her -- that she would love the Lord with all of her heart, soul, mind, and strength. A few of the other things we do with her:We play and sing hymns to her on an almost daily basis -- we want to instill in her a love for God-honoring music. We have a verse book with 10 simple Bible verses and catechism cards with 20 questions and one word answers that we try to review everyday with her. We also read to her from good books on a near-daily basis. I'd love to hear thoughts from readers on how you are discipling your young (or older!) children and teaching and training them in the ways of the Lord. Please comment and share!
What Can I Do After The Cleaning's Done?
Guest Blog by Glenys Hicks -A Wife, Mother, and Grandmother from Australia
I have been a homemaker since I was 16 years old- 36 years in total. I love a clean house, and I plan and clean, but after the cleaning is over, my heart asks ‘now what?’ I don’t find that housework in itself brings me full satisfaction in my Christian life. It is my responsibility before God to run my household well and to look after my family, but what about after that’s done for the day? I mean, after 36 years, you do get housekeeping down to a fine art!
Over the years I have found ways that I can work from my home and serve Christ and others. Now I realize that there are many home-based businesses you can do, but I am specifically talking about ministry- acts of charity and kindness one can do from home. With small children at your feet, and suppers baking in ovens and simmering in crockpots, laundry tumbling happily in the laundry room... As keepers of the home, it is to our advantage to be at home-for then people will know where to find you.
How do we satisfy that craving to serve Christ and others more fully whilst still being keepers of the home? How can we show charity and acts of kindness to others whilst at home?
There are many ways one can be charitable and kind to others without leaving home. Here are some of the things I have done with children around me, and now grandchildren.
* I have baked for the woman down the street who was on bed rest for a problematic pregnancy. And learnt to praise God that mine weren’t.
* I have designed and typed resumes for neighbors who didn’t have the ability or computer. Put to use my training as a data entry operator.
* Designed my own cards with a personal message for the sick and sent a child over with a home-cooked casserole. Gave me a buzz designing something special.
* I have minded a fractious baby for a friend who was a new mother and just needed some time-out! (Wishing I had had that myself in hindsight. Smile)
* Over a cup of tea, I would help a friend work out a budget as she wasn’t sure how to stretch the funds and her husband had handed the responsibility over to her (probably feeling overwhelmed) I have been there too- but because of that, I had become extremely good at frugality. For which I praise the LORD!
* As it became known that I could sew, it was not uncommon to have a hem of some school trousers or a friend’s dress to take up or even to be asked to finish knitting a baby jacket someone had started and was running out of time to finish.
* I would provide free after school care for my neighbor’s children if she had a dental or medical appointment that would prevent her from getting home earlier.
* I have sat at home packing endless pieces of jewelry or Christmas cards with a friend who was subsidizing her disability pension with piece work and was behind.
* I have laundered clothes for a friend with a house full of sick children and so overwhelmed with that and laundry that I told her to bring a few loads to me.
* And ironed those clothes too- now that’s love! (Smile)
* My home has been like a crèche some days as the neighbor’s children played with mine because their Mother was morning-sick (I relate so well to that one!)
* And I have just sat at my kitchen table with a cup of tea and listened to some friend’s problems and offered advice if asked, but mostly listened. A problem shared is a problem halved! Never underestimate the gift of learning when to listen and when to keep silent. Many mistakes made and lessons learnt for me there!
* I have sewn countless little cotton shifts and pants for the orphanage our church sponsored in Madagascar. I never saw them wearing them, but I got letters!
* I have sat countless hours after my housework was done sewing sequins on big banners for the Worship Hall in our church. Thousands of sequins..thousands!
* And I have lost count of the number of women who have come with unfinished projects that we have worked on at my home. Sewing, knitting, crochet…
* And speaking of crochet and knitting…teaching a couple of friends crochet and knitting and how to read knitting patterns!
* Teaching my friend to touch type was another thing I did at home. That taught me a lot about patience, believe me!
* A young man who was my son’s friend couldn’t read and confided in me and he came and I taught him to read. He has a lot of confidence now! Praise God!
* I helped a friend with a disabled child do physical therapy at my home on the days when she was too exhausted to do it. I sure learnt a lot about a mother’s love!
* A rather humorous time was my neighbor who lived behind me asked me to show her how to peg her laundry out like I did- boy, I didn’t know she was looking!
* A young wife wasn’t sure how to use ammonia on her oven and asked me for a demo. I had the cleanest oven in town by the end of the day.
* And then there were the fun times- I was showing the same woman how to bake a certain recipe, and it flopped! But the fellowship was sweet at least! Smile.
Putting this all to paper makes me realize just how many things we can do from home to show charity and kindness to others. I am sure you can think of more. But it is these things that I believe make up that part of home keeping that are fulfilling for me. After my house is clean- then I can joyfully branch out into that part of life some call ‘ministry’, others call helping, or friendship or mentoring. Whatever it is called, it is possible to be kind and charitable from your home. Not only does it help your neighbor, but it helps you feel totally fulfilled in your calling as a wife and mother. What better way of serving Christ than to serve others in His Name? I give God the glory for bringing these people into my life, and for allowing me to pass on a little of what I have gleaned of life along the way. May the LORD richly bless you in your homes and bring opportunities for acts of charity and kindness to you.
© Glenys Robyn Hicks 2004
On My Soapbox
This morning in our family worship time, we were reading in Isaiah and Jesse and I got to talking about evangelism and the problems in most modern evangelistic movements. So much of the time, it seems that people think they need to stoop to the levels of the world in order to evangelize. This mentality of, "the only way to reach the world is to become like the world" -- to use the world's methods, the world's music, the world's movies, the world's lingo, and so on. Do we need to "fit in" with the world -- look like them, talk like them, act like them, dress like them -- in order to witness to them? I shout a resounding "NO!" "But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God."—1 Corinthians 1:23-24We don't need to water down the Word of God, we don't need to make it more "palatable," we don't even need to use sodomites to reach sodomites. If all we have to offer the world is a recycled form of what they already have, what is the point for them to even turn to Christianity? It is high time we are shaken out of our complacency and seek to walk in truth!
Read an excellent sermon by C.H. Spurgeon. Sigh. I feel better now. I needed to get that off my chest. :) I'm jumping off my soapbox to go upload some pictures of my precious daughter.
Modest Maternity Patterns?
Do you know of any place where I can find modest maternity patterns, mainly for a skirt and jumper? I looked at Wal-mart and was not impressed with their selection. -Susan Anyone have suggestions or links for Susan? Please share!
Grande Cooking
 I recently had the opportunity to review Grande Cooking by my friend, Lisa Taylor. For anyone who is looking for encouragement, ideas, and help in the area of bulk-cooking, this ebook is for you! Lisa shares in a step-by-step simple manner how you can easily prepare a large quantity of meals at a time -- and have fun doing it, too! Check out her website for more information.
Eat Your Greens
 For those of you like me who like to eat healthfully but find that it is sometimes hard to find the time to make up salads, here's what works well for us: When we go to the store, we usually buy three large bunches of different types of salad greens. Upon arriving home, I wash all of the lettuce off, tear it, and put it in a big airtight bowl. Drain the leaves and seal the lid on tight. Then, I can put together a simple salad every night in a matter of a couple minutes. I'll just add some tomatoes or cucumbers, croutons, cheese, and some dressing. Or, if I'm really pressed for time, we can just have plain mixed greens. I also have been packing salads for my husband to take in his lunch. I usually wouldn't have the time to put together a nice big salad for him, but when it's almost finished and waiting in the refrigerator, it's very easy to do! He loves it, and I'm glad to make him a nutritious lunch. Does anyone want to share their quick tips for eating nutritiously? I always need all the ideas and inspiration I can get!
Homemaking and Clutter
Amy always has such wisdom to share. Don't miss her latest post, The Clatter of Clutter.I desire more meaning-filled time, not mindless rushing. Children—even lots of children—are not obstacles to living a meaningful, simple life. What is required with a full and bustling household, however, is that we are purposeful with the things we allow in and the things we purge. Amen! While on this subject, I just did a quick 15 minute jaunt around the blogosphere. (I've hardly been reading any blogs recently because my new schedule doesn't allow me much blogging time. That's okay, but I'm always glad for a few extra moments to check up on everyone on occasion.) Here are a few quick picks: Candy has been doing a great series on Homemaking 101. She is always an inspiration! Lori Seaborg is having 21-Day Decluttering Challenge. Lady Lydia talks about More Hours in My Day. Calla Lily gives us help for our Grocery Shopping. Lastly for tonight (off-topic, but I just had to share it anyway), Erin's post on Eating Out on a Budget was excellent!
Controversy is Inevitable
For those of you who have read my blog for any length of time, you know I like good discussions. I think that in-depth discussions on issues from a Biblical perspective is healthy, challenging, and motivating. It forces me to think, search the Scriptures, and talk to my husband. It helps to further shape my worldview. And, I hope it causes you to do the same as well. I know some people don't like controversy. Most of the time, I don't either. But, in this day and age, controversy is inevitable. We cannot just sit on the sidelines. We cannot just blindly accept or tolerate sin in the name of "love." Yes, we should love. Yes, we should overlook. Yes, we should forgive. But, we should also be holding up every area of our lives in the light of Scripture. We should be examining everything and asking "What sayeth the Scriptures." In light of that, there are often controversial subjects brought up on this blog. It is not because I just want to pick a fight or because I am overcritical. Maybe it might seem that way, but in my heart, I really just want to challenge us all to think through things Biblically. At the same time, this blog is not just about confronting the culture. I want to be encouraging, equipping, and edifying other women. I want this blog to be a place of beauty, of blessing, of refreshment. Sometimes we need to battle the evil head on. Sometimes our best response is just to live a God-glorifying life in our homes and to focus on raising our children to do the same. I'm still learning to find the balance. If you disagree with the conclusions I've come to, that's okay. I'll still love you. :) If you feel that I am in sin or being inconsistent, I hope you will love me enough to come to me and share that with me. I have much left to learn. I am working on cultivating a meek and quiet spirit. When someone comes and shares an area in my life where they feel I need to work on or something that I believe which they believe to be unbiblical, I want to listen and learn. I can't promise I'll always agree with you, but I will listen and pray about it and talk to my husband. Let us "provoke one another to love and good works." Let us "sharpen" each other and spur each other on to live a more holy life in the sight of God! May we always be striving to be "set apart" to glorify the Lord! I thank God for each one of you who have been such a challenge and encouragement to me! God is using you to conform me more unto His image.
Ever since I said...
Ever since I said I wasn't probably going to be blogging that much, I've been blogging more than ever. Funny how that works! I've been spending a lot more time with my family and yet, I've seemed to have more time to blog.
Kathrynne and I are off to make soup, bread, and salad for dinner and tackle some more laundry and ironing. What's cooking at your house?
Just Because Something is Legal, Does That Make it Right?
I just wanted to pop in and ask everyone to run over and read Amy's post on Abortion and the Sufficiency of Scripture. She says: Government approval of abortion should give us reason to pause for reflection. The most obvious reason, of course, is that the legality of something doesn’t make a “something” right. It is legal for me to murder my almost-born baby, but it is wrong. It is legal for me to hate my brother, but it is wrong. It is legal to park my kids in front of MTV for all their waking hours, but it is wrong. Christians are governed by a different standard– the Word of God– not the legal whims of whatever nation they happen to live in. The reason for this is because the Word of God is infallible and the men who govern us are not. I loved this part: My culture tells me to limit producing children in favor of a lifestyle of personal peace and affluence. Sleeping in on Saturday mornings is more desirable than pouring Cheerios. Let’s not mince words: children are work. However, the Bible would tell us that children are a heritage, a reward (Psalm 127).
"Against Abortion 100% of the Time"
I just love Carmon! She always has some excellent insight to share. Don't miss her latest post, Rolling with the Controversy.
Here's a snippet: This week Christians are mourning the 33rd anniversary of the infamous Roe v. Wade decision. Our family is not able to participate in any prolife rallies or activism as in past years, but I am grateful for those who continue to keep this issue at the forefront of the public discussion. I am against abortion 100 percent of the time as it is always the taking of an innocent life. I’m sure it’s no surprise to my readers that I am also against birth control in most cases, as I believe that it is God’s perogative to control the womb, and that we can trust Him to give us the children He wants us to have. Each life He gives is an eternal soul and a potential citizen of heaven. I say this as a woman who has had nine difficult pregnancies involving bedrest each time. As an aside, we visited a new church yesterday (Some of you know we've been church-hunting for the past few months) and it was so exciting to walk in and see children everywhere... especially children who were so happy and lively and friendly to us, yet who sat quietly as a family through the entire service. What a refreshing sight! In talking with some of the families afterwards, I think I found a family who wins the "Be Fruitful and Multiply Prize" of the month -- she was pregnant with their seventh and their oldest twins are five. I wish you could have seen how radiant and happy they were! Needless to say, I do believe we've found a church home. God is so good to answer our many prayers. Even if it is over an hour away, it's very much worth the drive to be able to fellowship with like-minded believers!
Five Ordinary Men, An Extraordinary God!
 While I'm blogging about The End of the Spear, I wanted you to know that I, in no way, want to discredit this powerful story of men who were willing to risk their lives for the sake of the Gospel. My husband and I watched Beyond the Gates of Splendor a few months ago and were very touched. This is the real story with the real people. I would much rather recommend you consider seeing this documentary instead of The End of the Spear. ( Please note: There is some tribal nudity and graphic details. I would say it is not appropriate for children and only for an adult audience. It also would be more appropriate for those who were already familiar with the story itself. Here's a review and here's another review. Always do your research before viewing a movie -- especially when viewing with your children!) In my opinion, books are always better than movies, so I would even more highly recommend that you read together as a family books like Shadow of the Almighty and Through Gates of Splendor.
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose"
"Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God"
-Jim Elliot
"The Loss of Discernment is Evident"
For those who are still strongly supporting The End of the Spear, I highly encourage you to read Jason Janz' latest information on his conversation with the directors of the film. This is not just something to casually pass by. We really need to stop and consider this. Some have questioned why I would feel a need to bring this up. Here's a brief synopsis of my reasoning: If a film is being held up as a Christian film that was produced to glorify and honor the Lord, who's market is the Christian community, that many high-profile Christians and churches are strongly endorsing and promoting, it should held under a very scrutinizing light. If Hollywood had produced this film, I wouldn't care to see it in the first place, but I wouldn't expect them to think through the implications of who they cast in each role. A Christian film company who is producing an explicitly Christian film should be held up to a much higher standard. Janz says: We no longer have a company who was sloppy with their research and made an error in judgment. We have a film-making company that presents itself as Christian who sees absolutely nothing wrong with casting one of Hollywood’s most popular [sodomite] activists in the role of an evangelical missionary martyr. Janz goes on: Some people have questioned my motivations in writing on this and continuing to write on it. I am doing so because I believe it is important. The loss of discernment is evident in all corners of evangelicalism, and there comes a time when people need to say something. I want to inform the Christian community of what I think is cause for concern. You will have to make your own decision as to what to do. I also encourage you to read C.S. Hayden's post, The Justifying Appeal to Evil.
New Blogads Network
If you are interested, Blogads has given me the opportunity to create my own mininetwork of bloggers. There are a lot of mininetworks, but most them are rather liberal, so I've taken up their offer and have created the Christian Moms mininetwork. If you are a Christian mom blogger and would like to join, you just need to have a Blogads account ( sign up here) and then send me an email. I'll be glad to add you. By being in a network, you will have a much better chance of garnering paid advertising, since most of the companies prefer to purchase blocks of advertising. Have any questions? Just ask. Oh, and feel free to invite your friends! The more Christian moms we have in this network, the better! Also, I'm looking for a logo for this group. Does anyone have the skills and desire to create a small logo for this network? If so, drop me an email.
Home is Where the Heart is
 I just finished listening to Home is Where the Heart Is. All I can say is -- get yourself a copy. It is worth every penny. We desperately need to hear this message as wives and mothers and to catch this vision to pass on to our daughters. I was thoroughly convicted and pray that I don't just hear the message, but that I heed the message. I want to be a "Super Proverbs 31 Woman" -- not for any worldly praise or any personal satisfaction, but because I want to honor the Lord and bless my husband and family. I want to cultivate beauty in everything in our home. I want the beauty of the Lord to radiate in all I do and say. I have so far to go, but this is what I am going to aim for, by the grace of God. My husband deserves to be the king of a beautiful castle -- our home! I want to delight in making our home a haven for him to come home to. Standing behind him and doing all I can to make him successful is the greatest work I could ever do on this earth. Pray for me, I feel so inadequate. Praise God that He is faithful and long-suffering!
The happy family
 My sister sent me this picture taken at the Wilds a few weeks back.
The End of the Spear
For anyone who is considering going to watch The End of the Spear, I encourage you to read this article by Tim Challies, this article from World Net Daily, and this post by Jason Janz. ( Warning : Some graphic details, not appropriate for younger readers.) I really hate to throw water on something that looked like it might be a really good movie, but I do believe that we, as Christians, need to really consider this before we just support this movie across the board. This whole controversy really saddens me. HT: SpunkyUpdate: Check out C.S. Hayden's post for more thought-provoking links. I appreciated his thoughts: I have had discussions with fellow Christians who are film enthusiasts, and many of them contend that we should support the film. I would encourage people to read these articles (realizing that some of them discuss "mature" aspects of the film and its actors -- details that are best avoided by younger readers.) Given the various problematic aspects of this film (clothing [or lack thereof], actors, supposed watering down of the Gospel, etc.), should we Christians go to the theaters with the motivation of financially supporting this film? I think not.
A Far-Reaching Ministry for Women
Newsflash: Millions of Jews are the descendants of only four women. I like this statistic, because I have three young daughters who have massive potential to affect history.
The power that so many women in our world long for is sought after in a place where it will quickly pass away in a short term burst of corprate management or expressing her "gifts" in a company that will soon slip off the edge of the cliff. It is a matter of record that most companies simply don't last very long. This is why I believe that women are wasting their lives there.
But if a woman sees her life as a key contributor as a child bearer in the stream of history, her ministry will be far reaching... that her "days may be prolonged" (Deuteronomy 6:1-9). This is why Rebekah's brothers burst out, And they blessed Rebekah and said to her: "Our sister, may you become The mother of thousands of ten thousands; And may your descendants possess The gates of those who hate them." 61 Then Rebekah and her maids arose, and they rode on the camels and followed the man.
So it should not surprise us that there are around thirty million documented descendants from the seven pilgrim women who survived the first winter in Plymouth.
Of course, all of this this is small potatoes in view of the fact that the entire world population descended first from Eve and then from the eight people of Noah's family on the Ark.
Therefore..."be fruitful and multiply"
-Scott Brown Online
The 15:4 rule
Don't miss Amy's excellent post In Praise of Lists, especially this: Consider making the following ritual part of your day. Follow the 15:4 rule: Spending fifteen minutes thinking about what you are going to do before you start will save four hours of wasted time later on. Any individual who has thought through her workday, set priorities, and organized the day’s tasks is likely to accomplish far more than someone who moves randomly through the day. ~Stephanie Winston This goes hand-in-hand with a post I wrote yesterday for PRMama on organization. (Yes, some of it might sound very familiar to my regular blog readers, since it was a "recycled post.")
Anxiety springs...
Thanks to my friend, Nicole, for posting this great reminder: Anxiety springs from the desire that things should happen as we wish rather than as God wills.
~ Anonymous
Responses from Readers
I received some interesting responses by email to my post on "Can't Afford to Have Children?" and I wanted to share them: I had to chuckle when I read your post 'Can't Afford to Have Children?'. If we had waited until we were "ready" and could "afford" to have children, we still wouldn't have any after almost 29 years of marriage. We have ten children and the Lord has provided over and above all we could ask or think. We have been so blessed that we have shared several wardrobes with of clothes with others through the years. -V.B. Again, thank you. You seem to put into the best words things I've been longing to say, things I've felt and not had anyone nearby with whom to say, "Yes, that's it exactly."
I hear nothing in our church but "when" to have children, "being ready," what people want to do first, how much money is enough, and so on. My husband and I had never even heard the message of allowing the Lord to control your family size until after our 4th baby! We decided to wholeheartedly embrace His promise for us, and He sent us baby #5, but He also allowed me to have a brain tumor and MS diagnosed after our son's birth. We felt He showed us His joy at our acceptance of His word, and then showed us a new direction. My tumor was removed by surgery when Liam was just over a year old, and all is fine on that count. I'm weak with the MS, but our homeschool runs pretty well anyway! Our children have learned housekeeping skills, how to care for one another, how to self-pace their school days, and how to stay busy in our home with all sorts of crafts and things. Our family has drawn in wonderfully close, and this year we will be able to sell our 2-story home and move to our land in Oregon, to live moresimply and without a mortgage, bringing my husband home to work.
Even in the churches of today, most children aren't raised with a truly Biblical worldview, and they don't know what it looks like to be a family who allows God to lead and provide. This kind of dependence is not sensible by the world's standards, and yet it is rich with blessing and peace. We have never been let down by our God, no matter how many "backward" moves we have made, and there have been many!
I have a young friend, newly married, who talks of wanting to graduate from college, go and travel, get a job using her degree...she says that you can't know what God wants you to do if you just stay in your father's home all your life, or if you don't go to college and get out in the workforce. This is a pastor's daughter, and she does truly love the Lord. But even those young people who truly love the Lord are wandering in a fog. They segregate all the children in the church away from their parents, and by age in little classrooms. They say you can't expect the 4th graders to deal with those little kindergartners who can't read yet. They promote youth-empowerment and alienate teens from their parents; there are no family activities, just events for youth that promote thrill-seeking behaviors. Is it any wonder, coming out of this culture of the American church, that our well-churched young women still talk about when and how many children? Is it any wonder that our pastor's wife had never heard that the birth control pill is often an abortifacient? That the main topic among the young married women I know is birth control options?
And then, farther on....the women I know who are my age, with children...not one of them ever speaks of loving her husband as her best friend. Not one of them seeks to spend more time with him, and all treat him as an adversary, an impediment to their own true happiness.
It's so, so grievously sad. I'm so thankful to read what you have to say when you write, and wish I could know you a little better. I know when you write that there are other young women out there who hear what you are saying, and who nod YES when you speak. I pray that my girls will understand that God is to be trusted, is big enough, and has greater plans for them than anyone on earth can even imagine. -A.B.
No Inheritance That Can Compare
I was just reading to Kathrynne and came upon this beautiful quote: "There is no inheritance which the richest parent can bequeath to a child that can compare for one moment with the influence and blessing of a truly Godly home." -Home-Making by J.R. Miller
From My Heart...
"I pop on your blog & read about once a week or so. I found you through the articles you wrote for LAF...The whole ‘blog society thing’ isn’t really my cup of tea so I don’t comment all that often anyway, although I do enjoy thought provoking essays! You provide that. The following is meant to be a compliment, so I hope I present it as such… Tact isn’t my strong suit, but God & I are working on it – continuously! I want to let you know that your continual spiritual maturity & growth are evident. I always find that good to hear– especially when it doesn’t feel like it! Lol I’ve watched you grow in your writing & presentation over the last year or two or from whenever I first read your material. So I wanted you to be reminded of that. To be perfectly honest, although from the very beginning I’ve agreed with most of the principles you write about, I was often offended because of the way you presented it. As I grow myself, I’ve found that with maturity comes a gentleness when sharing truth. I see that in you now. I love it! (I’ve had my own battle with pride & humility, so often when I’m vexed by someone it’s generally what I loath in myself. Oh mirror, mirror on the wall…) I’ve forgiven your ‘impertinence’ and I hope you can forgive mine." -J.M. Thank you for your letter, J.M. I praise the Lord for how He is continuing to mold me and shape me more into His image. I know I have a long way to go. Gentleness and meekness, along with humility, are some areas I really need to work on in my life. I have been praying daily for the Lord to fill me with His love -- that He would write through me, speak through me, love through me, live through me. Without Him, I am nothing. In my own strength, I am incapable of doing anything good.
Blogging has been a great tool for me to realize my own inadequacies and areas where I needed to work on -- namely, having more graceful speech and a gentle spirit. I look back on some things I have written in years past and am offended at myself! I'm sure I'll look back in a few years at things I write now and wonder what I was thinking then as well. But, the more I write, the more it helps me to think through things, research God's Word, discuss things with my husband, and further examine why I believe what I believe and how I can best present that to others in a God-honoring fashion. I still have a long way to go in this department, but the Lord is kindly and patiently chipping away at His Crystal. I want others to see Christ in me -- not Crystal. I want Christ to increase and Crystal to decrease. The more I can spend focusing on the Lord, the less of myself there will be. It is a constant battle and struggle but the Lord is long-suffering with me! I thank all of you who have been and continue to be patient with me as I learn and grow.
Carmon's post was especially fitting as I have been thinking about these things recently. Read her newest addition to the Prairie Muffin Manifesto:
42) We are reminded in Proverbs 10:19, “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” Prairie Muffins must refrain from being mouthy, including online. It is not our place to always set everyone straight or tell everything we know. In fact, Proverbs also warns us not to answer a fool according to his folly (Proverbs 26:4), so pray for wisdom before unleashing your opinions like any fool with a keyboard. This entreaty to restraint particularly applies to battles of which you have no part. She who has ears to hear, read carefully the admonitions of the great Puritan preacher, Matthew Poole, on the issue of detraction, an admonition that is never more timely though written hundreds of years ago. Then go back to Proverbs, starting with chapter one, because if you want to be a Proverbs 31 woman, then that’s the place to begin. As some may have noticed, I've been blogging less. I've been thinking more, praying more, reading more, playing with my baby more, spending time with my husband more, and trying to stick to my schedule. If I have time and inspiration, I'll blog. If I don't, it can wait. Blogging is a great thing and I enjoy it, but it can take too much time -- time that would be better spent elsewhere. So, I'll still be around, and some days I might still post five times. But, if you don't hear from me for a few days, or if it takes awhile for me to answer your email or respond to your question, you'll know where I am... probably on the floor playing puzzles with Kathrynne, or at the table sipping tea and in a deep discussion with my husband, or scrubbing a toilet, or folding some clothes, or curled up with a good book, or maybe even finishing my cross-stitch project.
Letters from "Lurkers" Part 2
"...I found your site through the Ladies Against Feminism website. I actually was not a Christian until about 2 months ago. I found LAF while searching for campfire and
cast iron cooking ideas and through that found many young Christian ladies websites. I found a message board and began reading and noticed a hole or void I felt in myself and decided to try praying for the first time in over 10 years. After a while of praying and reading the Bible for the first time ever I realized I completely believed everything I was reading. I felt more fulfilled than I ever had. I have a long way to go, but I appreciate your site for the encouragment I find..." -Nicole
"My name is Bethany and I have been frequenting your blog for the past few months (I think I stumbled upon it from a link from ylcf.org)... Since I've been reading your blog, I feel like I kind of know you, so it's probably only fair that I tell you a little about myself too. I'm 20, the oldest of 4 kids and a home school graduate from Oregon. I'm a senior at Whitworth College in Spokane, WA and will receive my B.A. in journalism this spring. Throughout my life, I have been exposed to many of the highly-conservative Christian beliefs, but my own family does not necessarily hold all of them. I am intrigued by your blog (although I often disagree with you) and I think it helps me to better understand the beliefs of some of my more conservative friends. However, in spite of our different (although not entirely opposite!) views on the roles of women, family, etc., your blog still encourages me to seek Christ. Isn't that cool? Christ unifies us so that in spite of our differences, we can still encourage and support each other!" –Bethany “I have been reading your blog for about a month now and I have to say that I think you are a very inspirational young woman! I am 34, I live in the UK, my husband has not yet accepted Jesus (although - thank you, Lord! - he has moved so much closer over the past six months) and I have two children. I am a freelance translator and work from home in the evenings when the children are in bed. It can be tiring (as you well know!) and it takes its toll on my time with my husband, but it means I can be a full-time Mummy, which makes it all worthwhile (after all, I'll be able to sleep when the children have grown up, right??!!). "I pray hardest and worry most about being solely responsible for making sure that my children grow up knowing Jesus. However, God is as faithful as ever and has not only provided a wonderful church family, but He is also working on my husband's heart and, since September, there have been four of us at church every Sunday rather than three at church and one on the tennis court!" –K
One of my favorite topics
Letters from "Lurkers" Part 1
I received so many wonderful notes from "lurkers" that I thought I'd share a few...
"I am one of your lurkers who loves your blog! I am a single mother of one beatiful girl, now three. I am in school full time to get certified to teach. It is interesting because I am about to enter the "school system", but the further along I get in my training the more I am feeling led to home school my own child. However, I need to work to support my child, so I am looking forward to see how the Lord will work this out for me. But I wanted to introduce myself to you and let you know how inspired I get reading your blog. I enjoy reading about your family (your daughter is so precious!), but mostly your words inspire me to be the best mother and woman I can be. Whether it is frugal living, cooking, cleaning, organization, or spiritul growth...I enjoy it all. As woman and mothers we need to support each other, so keep up the good work! -Kim" "Hi! I wanted to introduce myself as one of your "lurkers". My name is Bethanie. I'm 24 years old, I've been married for 5 years. I've been checking out your website as well as your blog, and I'm learning a lot. I just finished "Created to be his helpmeet", and now that I know the truth about my purpose as a wife, everyday is a battle to do the right thing. I find that for the time being I need daily encouragement and reminders. I was not brought up to help my husband. My mother was the head of our house, and my father was ment to help her. To this day, the poor man does everything for himself, and lots for her. I just wanted to let you know who I was, and that your sites have been a blessing to me over the past couple of weeks. -Bethanie"
The story of MRI records under our bed
I had a dream last night about being somewhere and two women were dishonoring their husbands. I'm usually not so forward, but in my dream, I quickly whisked these two ladies aside and promptly explained to them in no uncertain terms how debilitating it is to their husbands to publically dishonor him. I woke up and was going about my morning routine of first thing making the bed. While doing so, I spied a large envelope of MRI records under our bed. I know most people don't keep MRI records under their beds -- most people don't even have MRI records, especially not years' worth of them. But, we do. These records under our bed tell a story. A story of God's grace and healing to a little boy. My thoughts flashed back to many years ago... A little boy was born prematurely at 27-weeks-old and God spared his life. His parents were divorced when he was three. He spent the next few years of his life going back and forth between two homes. When he was 8, his mother was diagnosed with cancer. Only a little while later, he began experiencing severe headaches. He endured many months of suffering before the doctors finally realized he had a brain | | |
