Multitude Monday 831-860

And the blessing list continues.....Feb. 28

831.  my oldest daughter ~ Kathryn Elana (Katie Lynn) on her 18th birthday

832.  her "smarts" that the Lord blessed her with

833.  her grace & beauty

834.  her willingness to learn

835.  her willing helpful hands

836.  her beautiful heart open to the Lord

837.  her quest for Biblical knowledge

838.  her sweet smiles & blushes

839.  her love for creating ~ quilt squares, cross stitch, crochet, etc.

840.  her determination to get things done

841.  her patience with Amy (usually, not always)

842.  leading & guiding in a big sister way

843.  her openess to learning

844.  her willingness to serve at church

845.  her love for babies & children

846.  hearing her say "Mama"

847.  still be able to surprise her

848.  her forgiving heart

849.  her quietness

850.  hearing her giggle during phone calls

851.  the long talks we've had so recently

852,  the blessing of listening to her heart speaking

853.  striving to be a Proverbs 31 woman

854.  her great tea making skills

855.  her math mind to help Amy & Will when the need arises

856.  reading, reading, reading

857.  house cleaning help

858.  great help at church when we cook for large crowds

859.  her curly hair

860.  her beautiful brown eyes

Proverbs

Proverbs 14:23

In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.

Slinging French fries for minimum wage is better than hearing another business plan for making a million. If you resent the statement, this proverb is for you! Dreamers and promoters fantasize about being successful; but diligent and godly men go to their same old jobs with thankful hearts and find success through hard work! They do not sit around talking with speculators and making spreadsheets of imagined wealth from a new fantasy business. See the comments on 1:32; 12:11; 13:4; 13:11; 13:23; 14:4; 14:15; and 27:23.

Some men always talk of new businesses, new investments. They are full of ideas how to make money, but their own success is always just around the corner. Solomon warned his son against the distractions and delusions of moneymaking schemes. He knew about the exciting “business opportunities” and “investment secrets” of slothful fools and lying promoters. “Son, overtime at the fryer would be better than listening to these leeches.”

In all labor there is profit. Take an average young man, who diligently and faithfully works hard at a minimum wage, fast food job. In one year, he will be shift supervisor. In another year, shift manager. In two more, store manager. After managing faithfully for a year, he will get a piece of the action. In five more years, he will own half the business. In five more, he will buy out the owner. Simple, certain, and successful! No better ideas here – just faithful hard work! Not bad for slinging fries at minimum wage, eh?

In all labor there is profit. Take another young man, who diligently and faithfully works hard at ordinary factory or office jobs. Such efforts will make his raises and promotions above average. Saving and investing part of his weekly pay, he will accumulate much in 40-50 working years. He will retire on schedule with significant company benefits, considerable Social Security, and a sizeable estate. Simple, certain, and successful! No better ideas here – just faithful hard work! Not bad for an office or factory stiff, eh?

But the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. Watch the man craving the lifestyle of the rich and famous: he hates his boring job working for others. Work to him is driving a Lexus, checking investments by cell phone, and flashing his Rolex in fine restaurants. He reads and listens to every harebrained scam. He drools at “guaranteed” returns of 50%, and he invests heavily to “take advantage” of his “insider information”! The Ponzi scheme takes him down to penury, and the laboring stiff has to loan him money for food!

But the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury. Watch the man always changing jobs and always in a new “business opportunity.” He attends rah-rah meetings where beautiful people with leased cars, pyramid schemes for businesses, and imitation Rolexes tell him he can be rich … easily! He is fascinated. He made up his mind he would never be a working stiff, and each new “business opportunity” and investment scam are potential saviors from real work. But for some reason he never finds the promised mother lode!

Young man, forget your dreams when you get up in the morning and wash your face! Now it is time to work, not sleep and dream, or dream and sleep! Dreaming is not ambition! Optimism is not ambition! Business plans are not ambition! Working harder and more faithfully than anyone else is ambition! Forget the lottery mentality! You are not going to be the next NBA superstar! Today is a blessed privilege – use it to do more, and do it better, with a more cheerful spirit, in a real job, than anyone else. You will win!

Here is divinely inspired financial wisdom from the richest and most successful man who ever lived. Wishful thinking is for losers; only consistent labor will produce results. Exceptions are lies, and they never last anyway (13:11). Talk is cheap! Talking about making money in any other way than hard labor at a boring job is confusing, deceiving, distracting, foolish, and vain. It will rob your soul of the ambition necessary to succeed!

Many companies squander their profits by spending more time talking about saving money and enhancing revenues than actually producing and selling their product or service! The cost per hour of high-level meetings with numerous participants is enormous! They may soon be filing for Chapter 11 protection. Governments do the same: analyzing, debating, and meeting with little productive effort to truly solve the problem.

Minimum wage is not bad. It is more per hour than most “distributors” in multi-level marketing make for the hours spent hearing and talking about getting rich. It is more than the “investors” make in Ponzi schemes and other investment scams, that relieve fools every year of their money in the foolish and vain hope of getting rich enough to avoid having to work a real job. In all labor there is profit, even at minimum wage!

Not all business talk leads to penury, for there is safety in wise counselors (11:14). But wise counselors are never the ones soliciting you, selling you an investment, offering you a product, or promoting an “opportunity.” Beware! Justified conversation not condemned by this proverb must be objective, based in fact only, and with uninvolved, third-party, critical and successful, wise men. They will tell you the truth, not what you want to hear.

Be thankful for your job. Be thankful for your given abilities. Be thankful for the opportunity to work hard. Be thankful for this proverb. Get to work, now! Be early to work; stay late. Exceed the job expectations. Be cheerful; be respectful. Work zealously as unto the Lord. Work patiently with your eye on heaven’s reward. You will succeed!

Wishful thinking is what foolish children do on Santa’s knee. Anything that sounds too good to be true, is not true! It is a deceitful vanity to steal your focus from real labor. Plow your field, and reject the illusion of greener pastures elsewhere (28:19). Avoid and ignore all sources of “business opportunities” that promise more than your job! Do not listen to them! Do not read their promotional lies! Apply yourself to what is before you!

This is another of my "favorite" Proverbs studies we get each day from Bryant.  And, it really hits home with me ~ I want my sons & future sons in law to have steady jobs.  I want them to be responsible young men putting forth effort to care for their families.  I really don't care what these jobs are as long as they are 1. moral (don't go against Gods laws) 2. legal 3. provide a paycheck.  And it would be really nice if it was something they really enjoyed doing because its easier to get up and go to work everyday if you don't dread it ~ but that is a matter of your will, willingness to work & provide, and your own sense of responsibility.  

 

Signs of Spring

My Grand puppy Rocky.  Cute dog but when his pit comes out he will have to stay home )he is a pit boxer)

buds on my Peach Tree ~ hopefully the squirrels won't eat all the peaches this year

tiny purple violets from my Moms yard ~ before that they grew in my grandmothers yard

the camellia is always gorgeous

more flowers ~ plus 2 "volunteer" plants are coming up also!

our over-zealous plum tree

Don't take my picture...egg laying going on here!

Allen is here!  He and I went out to eat lunch together and then he had some running around to do.  Tomorrow, he is supposed to be here all day working outside for us.  we've got some trees to eliminate, lots of branches to clip and the outside of the porch to prime for painting.  Gonna be a busy couple of days.

The springtime weather is gorgeous.  Yesterday while Greg was smoking meat and Will was pressure washing the workshop, I sat in the beautiful sunshine.  These last 2 weeks of beautiful weather have been a blessing!

Tonight, Greg, Will & maybe James are going to the Men's meeting at church.  So the girls and I will have some serious crafting time watching something girlie!  I love having daughters!

Happy Birthday Allen

Happy Birthday to my Allen.  He is 22 today.  He came into this world with a bang (emergency c-section) and life for all of us really hasn't calmed down since!  

I Love You, Allen!

Looking forward to your visit this weekend and praying for safe travels for you & Rocky (my grandpuppy) tomorrow!

Psalm 127: 3-5

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord.  The fruit of the womb is a reward.  Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth.  Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.  They shall not be ashamed.

PRAY

Please pray for little Crosby.

He is 2 weeks old.

His little heart is not working correctly.

He will have open heart surgery on Wed. 2-23.

He is my friend Rie's little nephew.

Daybook

For today....Tuesday

Outside my window...another beautiful, sunny, warm spring day for the end of Feb.

I am thinking...of gardening

I am thankful for...fun family times working together

From the kitchen...Pork Chops (from our own pork), cheddar brocolli rice, and green beans

I am wearing...a pink plaid dress

I am creating...cross stitch on 23rd Psalm, starting smocking the newborn baby dress for my great niece who will be born in April

I am going...to enjoy Allen's visit this week (we will get to celebrate his birthday a day late this year....its tomorrow and he will get here on Thursday ~ he will be 22 years old)

I am reading...Ezra in the Bible, and starting the last book in the "Caroline Years" series about Laura Ingalls mother

I am praying...for safe travels for Greg today when he drives back from business on the coast, and for Allen as he drives to Miss. on Thursday

I am hearing...not alot

From the learning rooms...Algebra, Language, Spanish, American History

One of my favorite things...opening the nesting box of the chicken coop and finding 1 or more eggs

A few plans for the rest of the week...dance lessons for the girls, cooking for 2 church dinners, and Allen's visit.  

You can read more daybooks at 

                                              http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Monday, Monday

Last night, I declared that today was Saturday not Monday!  We were busy all weekend at church and my 2 DNow kids came home exhausted.  We also had a meeting at 4 yesterday for the Haiti Mission Trip that last for 2 hours.  We spent our time last night crashed on the couches and watching the first episode of The Amazing Race.  Its one of our favorite shows (especially when there are folks on there making a political correct statement about their gender preferences).  We like to see all the places they go and all the wild things they have to do.  Most Greg & I would never be able to handle so folks won't be seeing us on the show!

This morning, everyone slept late and then Greg and I treated this just like every other Sat.  We went to grab breakfast and run some errands.  One was for Will's birthday gift, he is the proud owner of a new phone.  The first for him!  Amy is going to get one for her birthday too.  I do like for them to be able to communicate with us wherever they are.  The old phone they shared has a dead battery and now we can't find it (it was my old phone and we just got the number turned to them).  But now they will have a nifty new gadget.  Will is sharing his with Amy till her birthday in April.

Today was perfect weather.  We've hung clothes on the line to dry.  The girls painted on their birdhouses.  Will and Greg pressure washed to porch and deck (what a mess).  Then they went to our Pastors house to till some garden land.  Pastor Jeff has a huge yard and offered us a couple of rows to plant crops.  He let us come and "glean" last year.  We wanted to plant more, so Rie and I are gardening over at his house too.  Then we are going to Can our crops together.  I suggested we do the canning here, so we can set it up outside on Greg's outside cook surface and swim while the jars are getting sealed.  Sounds like a great way to spend that time! 

We've had beautiful 70 Degree weather for over a week.  One day last week it went above 80.  I know the cold weather isn't done yet, and its really gonna be rude when it gets cold again.  Of course, if it stays this way then we will be sweltering plus this summer!

Allen is coming to visit this week!!!!!  He won't be here on Wed. (his birthday) but he will be here on Thursday!  He is coming to visit his buddies, get some work done around here, and of course...hug his mom!  And I will get to meet my grand-puppy.  Rocky is making the trip with Al.  This will be interesting, especially with our 4 legged critters.

My tilling boys just got back home!

Hope everyone's had a great day!

Life

Several weeks ago...Babe, Arnold Ziffle &  Wilbur (or pork chop, ham & bacon ~ as James named them) went to that happy hunting ground, a.k.a. the pork factory.  We picked our meat up today and are stocked up on our pork for a while.  The hams and bacon are curing and will be ready to pick up next week.  I've got 20 lb. of sausage, 3 pork loins with ribs, several packs of misc. pieces, lots of pork chops, packs of spare ribs and 3 big roasts. Thats from our portion of 1 1/2 pigs.  We will get the other stuff next week and give some of that to James because he won't take the time to cook the other stuff.  He'll just eat with us when I cook it.  The freezer is full and that such a blessing.

Wonder if he can keep and raise a cow?  Then we would have ground beef too!

  I've only got 12 pounds of ground venison left, so I don't think that will last till next deer hunting season.  We did make Sloppy Joes with the venison and they turned out great.  Greg renamed them Sloppy Does and Amy pointed out they could have been Sloppy Bucks ~ but they were sloppy good.

We are cooking for our churchs Discipleship Now weekend for the teens (oops, I mean young adults).  Last night we served barbequed chicken sandwiches, baked beans, french fries, and brownies ~ it was gobbled up.  The little bit of chicken that was left was mixed with the baked beans and came out again today for lunch.  So lunchtime was the chicken beans, hot dogs/buns, chili (either for chili dogs or in bowls), chips and little Debbie snacks.  Then the leftover beans/chicken and the chili met in the crockpot and are simmering together on low for dinner.  Added to that wonderful concoction will be huge baked potatoes, spiral sliced ham, cheese, sour cream, butter and bacon bits & salad.  There will be some very creative loaded baked potatoes tonight.  Dessert will be King Cake ~ cause it was the cheapest desserts we could find for that many folks at Kroger.  Saturday night update....the barbeque chicken/baked bean/ chili was a HUGE hit ~ they all loved it and there was nothing left to throw away.  Kinda weird but it was a hit.  After cooking for all these folks for 3 meals, I wasn't really hungry.  I ate a bowlful of salad, a baseball size baked potato, and a spoonful of ham.  Greg said this was like cooking for the Duggars x 2.

The chili and the barbeque chicken were leftover and frozen from other Wed. night meals.  So I've coined a new slogan...we are serving ABSO food.  Already Been Served Once.  Pretty catchy name!  Oh, and we are cooking for 40 folks!  Only 1 more meal to go!!!!!  Its really been a blessing how smoothly the preparation and serving has gone.  Praying that tonight is just as easy.

And if anyone is wondering....the crockpot will be emptied into the garbage after tonights meal.  Too bad our pigs aren't around to clean up the leftovers!

Katie decided to help Greg and I cook.  She's been a great help.  We even let her go on our Sat. morning Date this morning!!  Waffles & Bacon at Waffle House ~ yum!

Almost time to go back to the church!  Greg and I were marveling at the unique ministry the Lord has given us ~ food ministry!  Its a good thing we both like to cook!

FaceBook

Several years ago, during one of Mom's visits from GA, I learned she had a Facebook account.  My word, she hadn't had a computer long and she was now on Facebook.....before me!  Kinda weird.

Greg and I decided to set up accounts and its been an interesting ride.

I wanted to find a bunch of folks I went to highschool with, and I did.  But, what I came to realize was ~ they never grew up.  They were still living, partying, carrying on like they were 18 or 19 ~ not adults with grown children and sometimes grandchildren.  And some folks, I just barely remembered.

I have since gone through my friends list twice ( a year ago & today) and chopped a bunch of folks off the list.  And, there is still room for chopping.  

My stay at home, homeschooling, gardening, crafting, etc. lifestyle has been questioned and ridiculed.  I've been told to let my youngest children have more freedom, date, attend public school, do & wear what they want.  I've been subjected to radical, feminist, non-Christian opinions that are quite frankly insulting.  So the delete button was put into use quite liberally today.

I quite frankly have 2 higher authorities in my life.  Greg is my husband and we discuss, pray about, and confer at great lengths about our decisions and our family.  And we are both accountable to the Lord.  When it comes to the end of our time here on earth, we will be the only ones who will stand before the Lord and give an accounting of how we raised our children.

(OK Mom, I really have 3 higher authorities, my mom is a great friend, mom and granny.)

Lots of folks have gotten in trouble and had marriage problems from being on facebook.  They've looked up their "old flames" and not been faithful to their spouse, either in thoughts, or actions, or both.  Greg & I know each others passwords and can log into the other account at any time ~ we are accountable.  If this was a problem, I would drop facebook and want him, Katie, Will and Amy to drop it too.  

Facebook and other social media are becoming a "false friendship", folks are relating online and not in person.  I don't want that in my life ~ another reason for whittling down the list.

It is a great way to keep up with our family in GA & VA and with church friends from the past.

I want to keep it in its place and not let it become an "idol" in my life.

Proverbs

Katie gets a Proverbs Devotion from her friend Bryant almost everyday.  She then forwards them to Greg and I.  All of the devotions are good and quite a few have fallen into the "Great" category.  The teaching in Proverbs is wise and Godly.  Its a great book to use as your Christian Guidebook for living.  There are 31 chapters in Proverbs, we generally read one chapter everyday corresponding with that day ~ Chapter 5 on the 5th,  Chapter 6 on the 6th, etc.  If you begin to follow that schedule, then throughout the year, you will read the book of Proverbs 12 times.  

The man who writes these devotions, takes one verse from the chapter of the day and elaborates on it, pulling in more scriptures from the rest of the Bible. Some of these, we are forwarding to our older, not living at home boys, to read.  All of them I am saving in a special email folder.

I am going to begin sharing some of these that really mean alot to me and "speak" directly to me.  It could be something I am dealing with that day, something I have be wondering about, an issue I am praying about, etc.  The one I am sharing today was the Proverb devotion for Jan. 31...so its about the Proverbs 31 woman.  Lots of great wisdom and virtues to strive for...

Proverbs 31:18

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

A great woman is confident and driven. King Lemuel’s mother described the perfect woman in detail, so her son would know what to look for in a wife (31:1-2,10-12). The fear of the Lord is the first prerequisite (31:30), and diligence is the most obvious character trait (31:13-31). This proverb identifies a great woman’s confidence and drive.

“She perceiveth that her merchandise is good.” The virtuous woman knows her performance, productivity, and products are good. Her purchase of a field and investment in a vineyard are great ideas (31:16); she is committed to do what it takes to make a success of her income-producing venture (31:17). She is confident of her plan and future.

Humility is not a defeated attitude about abilities. Humility is being strong and confident about plans, because you trust the Lord, not just yourself (Jas 4:13-15). Paul was a humble and meek apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, but he also declared that he worked harder than the other apostles, by the grace of God (I Cor 15:10; II Cor 11:5; 12:11-12).

Great women are not puffed up about abilities, nor do they brag about accomplishments. Never! But they know they have a good plan, what it takes to get the job done, and that they can do it. This confident and strong approach to domestic and outside-the-home pursuits condemns the fear and weakness of many Christian women (20:4; 22:13; 26:13).

A virtuous woman is a confident and strong woman. Jael is one of the greatest women in the Bible (Jdgs 5:24)! Why? Intimidation, false humility, timidity, and fear are not Christian virtues, no matter how piously they are presented. A skilled and gracious hostess knows when a meal is well prepared. To think otherwise is flagrant slothfulness!

“Her candle goeth not out by night.” The virtuous woman is driven. She knows there is profit in all labor (14:23). She does not waste time talking. Once she settles on a plan, she goes for it! When she has a job to do, she is going to get it done! Extra effort or extra hours do not discourage her! She finishes her projects! She completes her tasks! She is a success, because she will not quit until the goal is achieved! She does not faint!

Of course, this is a proverb. It does not mean she never sleeps, even if the words indicate she works all night long! This is hyperbole – an obvious exaggeration! She puts forth whatever effort is called for to get the job done. She perseveres energetically. But she does not cross the line of reasonable labor, though extreme when compared to the lazy women around her, into that excessive effort that denies the Lord His role (Ps 127:1-2).

Hope you enjoyed it! 

Daybook

Daybook ~ Feb. 15

Outside my window ~ beautiful, sunny warm weather ~ 4 days in a row...what a blessing after the frigid, rain temps we've had all winter

I am thinking ~ that as a society, we've been doing church, evangelism, and discipleship all wrong for several generations.  Listening to Voddie Bauchum and specifically his talk on "the Home is the Key".  Its a talk he gave at the Southern Baptist Convention about losing the next generation from Christianity.  I think you can find this at Sermon Audio.com.

I am thankful for ~ phone calls on Valentine's Day, plans for an Allen visit, theology talks and understanding with Greg, Katie, Will, & Amy

From the kitchen ~ sloppy joes & tater tots (we're gonna try making the sloppy joes with the ground venison this time)

From the learning rooms ~ the usual, lots of schoolwork & reading

I am wearing ~ black skirt, striped knit shirt

I am creating ~ working on 23rd Psalm picture (almost finished with 4th block now), pleating & prepping 4 little Bishops to smock for gifts

I am going ~ to savor each day

I am reading ~ 2 Chronicles, and the series of books called the "Caroline Years" about Laura Ingalls mother when she was a little girl, started book 2 last night

I am praying ~ that James dentist appt. goes well at 1 and they can take care of his root canal today, the boy is in pain.

I am hearing ~ an airplane overhead, dogs barking, fingers typing, cars driving

Around the house ~ more crafting, working a little outside in the beautiful weather.  Amy is diligently working on the squirrel trap, to catch some of the little varmints (Greg put a $5 bounty on each one).  We don't want them eating our fruit this year so they will be transported to other counties and released!

One of my favorite things ~ 1/2 price chocolate the day after Valentine's, going to Kroger later!

A few plans for the rest of the week ~ bible study, dance lessons, sewing class, the kids Discipleship Now weekend for church ~ Amy & Will are attending, Katie, Greg & I are cooking the meals for the group.

Pictures to share...

The ladies who supply use with 3-4 eggs a day!

My new kitchen cabinet knobs! 

Amy & Izzy at Keepers yesterday!

2-14-11 first time to hang clothes out this year!

Katie & Chip.  She was trying to fix a bird feeder and he wanted her attention!

Will & our little twin friend Coralea at Keepers yesterday!

 

Multitude Monday 816-830

The Thanksgiving List continues...on Valentines Day

816.  The Fathers Love for His Children

"For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.  John 3:16-17

817. My husbands love for me

818.  our love for our children

819.  the intense awe, wonder, and love of the first time I held my newborn babies

820. the appreciation and understanding of sacrifices my parents made for me

821.  the Godly, Christian home I was raised in

822.  the love my Daddy had for us when he was willing to undergo chemo again

823.  the love the Lord showed Daddy & us when the decision in 822 was taken out of our hands

825.  the love of friends who take the time to understand & listen

826.  Young love

827.  praying for the future spouses & Biblical marriages for each of our 7 children

828.  great fellowship & game night with our Pastor and his Wife

829.  the understanding & realization that the closer to 1000 this list gets, the more & more I have to be thankful for

830.  Chocolate (hey, it is Valentines Day!) 

Praises & Prayers

Praises

Shelby doesn't have rheumatoid arthritis as thought, but she does have fibromyalgia.

Son Andy got a job!  Whoo Hoo!  We are thrilled.  He will be working in the kitchen as a cook at a local rest. in Starkville.

Graduation is drawing near for Rob ~ the end of April.

Prayers

For the mission team from our church that is traveling to Haiti in July ~ Greg is included in this team.

For the "burden" put on Greg's heart to dig a well for the village in Haiti.  We don't know the logistics but it would greatly improve the quality of life for these folks ~ they wouldn't have to hike down the mountain daily for water.

For our Sunday School class outreach ~ we've got a fellowship meal at our home tomorrow night for the class ~ lasagna is on the menu.

For the Senior Adult Valentine's meal on Sunday ~ the kids are helping serve.

For church visitation on Sunday

For our friends that are under incredible stress with jobs, $$ situations, family illnesses, etc.  

 

Faith & our Founding Fathers

2 Chronicles 7: 14-15

" If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

"We whose names are underwritten..having undertaken for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and honour of our king and country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the Northern parts of Virginia."

The Mayflower Compact (Nov. 11, 1620) 

"Winthrop and his colleagues believed that their errand was not merely a scouting expedition: it was an essential maneuver in the drama of Christendom:  these Puritans did not flee to America;  they went in order to work out that complete reformation which was not yet accomplished in England and Europe."

Historian Perry Miller

"Those who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants."

William Penn

"Either you'll be governed by God, or by God you'll be governed!"

Benjamin Franklin

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians, not on religion, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ."

Patrick Henry

"We have staked the whole future of American civilization not on the power of government, far from it.  We have staked the future of all our political institutions upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God"

James Madison, 4th President of the United States

"The highest glory of the American Revolution was this; that is tied together in one indissoluble bond, the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity."

John Quincy Adams, 6th President of the United States

"God has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christan nation, to select and prefer Christians for their rulers."

John Jay, first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

"I, do profess Faith in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ is own Son, and in the Holy Ghose, one God blessed for evermore, and I do acknowledge the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be given by divine Inspiration"

 State Constitution of Delaware's Oath for the House or Burgess State Assembly

" We submit our persons, lives and estates unto our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords and to all those perfect and most absolute laws of His given us in His Holy Word."

Rhode Island Charter of 1683

"Sir, we are not weak if we make proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power.  The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us."  "There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us."  " Forbid it almighty God!  I know not what course others may take; but as for me, Give me liberty or give me death."

Patrick Henry

Above quotes taken from "The Second Mayflower" written by Kevin Swanson

" Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

1st Amendment ~ United States Constitution 

(Note: it does not say Separation of Church and State (that phrase was in a letter Thomas Jefferson wrote years later).  It does say the Congress shall not establish a religion.)

Our great country was founded on Christian principles by Christian Men.

If you want to know the truth about the Heritage of our Nation ~ read their papers, letters, correspondences.  Do not rely on the re-written Politically Correct history books that are in the schools today. 

Daybook

For today...

Outside my window...beautiful, sunny skies ~ temps in the 30's

I am thinking...about Shelby, Marie, & Gregg

I am thankful for...prayer

From the kitchen...baked hamburgers, mashed potatoes & gravy, green beans ~ one of Greg's favorite meals

I am wearing...khaki skirt, red knit shirt, slip on tennies

I am creating...Psalm 23 cross stitch, finished large center square ~ now onto the smaller squares all around it.

I am going...to keep seeking the Lord's wisdom & guidance

I am reading...finished 2Kings yesterday  ~ now reading 1 Chronicles

Also reading about gardening ~ specifically herbs

I am praying...for Shelby's dr. appt. today ~ she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis yesterday and there could be more going on.  (Shelby is the friend that went to Honduras with us last year and she is my friend Marie's "Just Call me Rie's" daughter)

From the schoolroom...biology worksheets on Respiration, Algebra, Spanish, Language, Reading, Scripture Memorization, Bible Drill Practice, crafts

I am hearing...cars driving, children talking, fingers typing

Around the house...crafting, puppies playing, some kitchen remodeling (took out the old stove & microwave ~ not to make that space into a cabinet), planning garden, discussing the future

One of my favorite things...talks with my children

A few plans for the rest of the week...Bible Study, movie night at church, Sunday School party at our house

Pictures to Share...

John Deere Tractor Cake the girls made their Daddy for his birthday, they did a great job!

You can read more daybook entries at 

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Mexican Chicken Soup

I wanted something different to do with chicken this morning.  I looked in my trusty "Fix It & Forget It Cookbook" and found several tortilla soup recipes.  I started with their concept and put a Donna spin on it!  It is a Keeper!  Everyone liked it!

 Donna's Mexican Chicken Soup  (for the crockpot)

4-5 chicken breasts cooked, cooled, and cut up

1/2 teaspoon garlic

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup salsa (we used mild)

45-50 chicken stock

3 can Rotel tomatoes (we used mild)

Put the garlic and butter in the crockpot, turn it on low and let it start cooking.  Then add the rest of the ing. Set the temp to Low and cook for 8 hours.

Top with crispy tortilla strips and cheddar cheese...enjoy.

For the crispy tortilla strips, you cut flour tortillas into thin strips and place them on a greased cookie sheet.  After the sheet is full, spray the strips lightly with cooking spray & put in a oven set to 375 degrees for 5-8 minutes.  They will get lightly brown.  

This is yummy...and oh so easy.  The recipe probably serves 8.

Greg thought it would be good with oyster crackers also.  Or you could use the little crumbles at the bottom of your chip bags, just something to add a little crunch.

I found the cool bowls at the Dollar Tree.  We got 8 and they are perfect to serve soup in!

Multitude Monday

Counting my blessings...

801.  peaceful Super Bowl Party ~ at home, with Greg

802.  finally feeling better after 2 weeks

803.  children that like to listen to Christian music and not "modern" stuff

804.  singing praises to the Lord

805.  Sunday afternoon naps

806.  a husband who is a hard worker &

807.  wonderful provider &

808.  fulfiller of dreams &

809.  great listener &

810.  supportive of our homeschooling &

811.  passionate about missions

812.  has a heart to make lives of a group in Haiti better (this is also a God sized prayer request ~ Greg wants to build or have built a well at the Orphanage they will be visiting in July ~ the Lord will have to work out the details & provide the funds)

813.  has jumped on the "expand our garden" bandwagon

814.  has provided a budget amount for buying plants & trees for our home

815.  loves me!

How to know if you are a Christian

Have you ever thought "Am I really saved"?  I guess at some point, lots of folks have questioned their salvation or faith.  I will say this, without getting too preachy, your salvation is a very personal issue.  You are the only one who knows if your faith is real.  No one else can tell you, if you're saved.  Just because your Mama, Daddy or Grandma is a Christian doesn't mean you are, its a life changing decision that you personally make.

Evidentally, many people question their salvation because the John McArthur Study Bible has 2 lists for you to consider.  The lists are as follows...

List One

  Evidences that neither Prove or disprove ones faith

A.  Visible Morality  Matt. 19:16-21 and 23:27

B. Intellectual Knowledge  Romans 1:21 and 2:17

C.  Religious Involvement  Matt. 25: 1-10

D. Active Ministry  Matt. 7: 21-24

E.  Conviction of Sin  Acts 24:25

F. Assurance  Matt. 23

G.  Time of Decision  Luke 8: 13-14

List Two

The Proofs of Authentic Christianity

A.  Love for God  Romans 8:7

B.  Repentance from Sin  1John 1:8-10

C.  Genuine Humility  Matt. 5: 1-2

D. Devotion to God's Glory  1 Corinthians 10:31

E.  Continual Prayer  James 5: 16-18

F.  Selfless love  1John 2:9, 3:14, and 4:7

G.  Separation from the World  1John 2:15-17, 5:5

H.  Spiritual Growth  Ephesians 4: 12-16

I.  Obedient Living   1Peter 2: 13

J. Hunger for God's Word   1Peter 2:13

K. Transformation of Life  2 Corinthians 5:17

If list One is true and List Two isn't true in your life, there is cause to questions the validity of one profession of faith.

If List Two is true, then the 1st list will be also.

There are lots of folks in churches that are very active, involved, there everytime the door opens,  leading Sunday School classes and ministries that realize "they aren't saved".  Some sit there for years, Sunday after Sunday, and know they don't have a relationship with the Lord.  It takes lots of courage for these people to humble themselves before the church and the Lord, and make a Profession of Faith.  I've seen this happen in our church 2 times in the last 9 months.  

Here is a little bit more from Thomas Watson (a Puritan Pastor/Writer)

1.  Do you cry out at sin, being burdened with it, as an exceedingly bitter thing?

2. Do you fly from sin, as from the face of a deadly serpent?

3.  Do you cry out from the insufficiency of your own self-righteousness?

4.  Have you cried out to the Lord Jesus to save you fully & completely?

5.  Do you see more worth & more merit in 1 drop of Christs blood to save you than in all the sins of the world to damn you?

6.  Are you tender of sinning against Jesus Christ:

7.  Would leave all the world for His sake?

8. Are you willing to give your life for Him?

9.  Are His Saints (fellow believers) precious to you?

10.  Is Jesus precious to you?

We watched both of these messages on "Wretched".  

It does give you cause to think...ponder...pray!

"Drive by Theology"

Greg found "Wretched" with Todd Friel on the radio and we have all been listening to him.  This radio show is a Christian show and Todd regularly "digs" through the in's & out's of other religions and faiths and takes it all back to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  He is very systematic in his approach and backs it all up with scripture. Besides the radio broadcasts, there is a television show that is shown on some Christian channels.  For Christmas, Greg wanted "Drive by Theology" ~ 40 something short lectures to listen to on your way to work.  And for his birthday he wanted "Drive by Church History".  We bought both of those and are slowly working our way through them with the kids at night.

Our first lesson was on Systematic Theology which is developing from scripture a framework for understanding the principals for any situation.  The Bible has a lot to say about children, love, idols, getting along with our neighbors, etc.  But we have to find those verses so we can grasp what the Lord is trying to teach us or tell us.

It is very interesting that the Bible was written over 1500 years, by 40 different authors, in 40 different genres, and in 3 languages (Greek, Aramaic & Hebrew).  And it all flows together, never contradicts itself, is consistent in its message & comes from the mind of God.  We need to "seek to be Mastered by the Bible, not master it". 

Here is my big new term "Plenary Inspiration".  Which simply means the entire Bible is inspired by God.

We've done the first 6 lessons, so we have lots to learn.  Katie, Will & Amy are doing this with us.  We are all looking up the references and trying our hardest to take notes...sometimes they fly through the verses and we have to pause to catch up.

See ya next time for more adventures in theology!  (I've been listening to Adventures in Odyssey with Amy!)

Daybook

For today...

Outside my window...drizzly & nasty.  The temp is in the 50's & dropping down into the mid 20's tonight.  

I am thinking...that I love cozy days at home

I am thankful for...a servants heart in my husband & children

From the kitchen...Katie is baking bread.  Pork Chops & rice plus vegies for dinner tonight

I am wearing...clothes

I am creating...still working on 23rd Psalm, I've got the large center square with the Good Shepherd & sheep almost completed ~ then onto the rest of the picture.  Then I've got 4 cross stitch projects lined up behind it, so I will be busy for several months.  

From the school room...Algebra, Biology, Language, History, Spanish, lots of Home Ec, crafts

Katie is studying for her Psychology CLEP exam (she's now got 18 college credit hours!)

I am going...to work on being content ~ enjoy where I am, while I am there, and not want to be somewhere or do something else

I am hearing...rain outside, cars, the mixer

Around the house...life

One of my favorite things...microwave rice heating bags ~ works great on sore ribs from coughing so much!

A few plans for the rest of the week...Theology lessons with Greg, bible study, dance & sewing classes, cold weather

Please go to ...  http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/  to read more daybooks!