New Blog Reminder

Here is our last reminder about our new blog. We have moved to a new location with a new name. Please check us out and follow us over there. We have enjoyed our time here, but found we needed a complete change. Thank you for faithfully following us these last 4 1/2 years. We hope you continue to follow us here:http://thenoaladies.wordpress.com/

 

A New Blog

Just a reminder that we have moved. Our new blog address is: http://thenoaladies.wordpress.com/  We would for you to check us out and let us know what you think. We will close this blog on October 31st.

We would love to have you continuing to follow us at our new blog. And if you aren't already a follower, we invite you to sign up to receive emails whenever we update.

 

This Blog is MOVING

 As of Monday, October 1st, you will be able to find us at http://thenoaladies.wordpress.com/  All of our blog posts have been moved over and will still be available to read.  If you have us book marked make sure to change the address. We will keep this blog up and running until the 31st of October.  If you have any questions please let us know and we will address them.  We have enjoyed blogger the past 4+ years, but were looking for a change and WordPress had what we needed. We will not only be moving, but we are changing our name, as well.
 

Chicken Coop Potpourri!

 (Here is some great advice from Homestead Revival!)
Yes, your coop can smell good, too, just like mine!

Really! It smells fantastic! Since I started making my Coop Potpourri and tossing in bundles of lavender... now when I open the door, I get this lovely wave of floral herbs. I just love it!

So here's the scoop on getting rid of the poop (well, the poop smell anyway)...

Walk around your yard or garden (or a friends yard - with permission, of course!) and dead head those marigolds and lavender. I also like to cut a few nice looking flowers as well, especially since they're growing so abundantly this year! Just toss it all in a large bucket. (Some of my lavender, the Provence variety, had long stems which I cut off before adding).

Next, prune back some of those herbs, such as rosemary, mint, thyme, etc. It's actually good for the plant, so be brave and cut! Toss all this in the bucket as well, cutting it into smaller portions as you do so. Another option is to cut back the larger plants, such as rosemary, and then pull off the needles by running your fingers over it from top to bottom. Then toss the stems. Don't forget fragrant trees, such as bay leaves (I'm growing several as an evergreen hedge to protect my beehives from winter winds).

Everything gets tossed together and allowed to dry a bit in the bucket. Once it's dry, you can bag it up for use all winter long when the coop is shut tighter than normal. Just think how nice it's going to smell!

And that extra lavender (trust me, I have a ton!)... it gets tossed on the floor where the chickens move it around as they scratch in the hay and pine shavings. Plus, it gets crushed underfoot when we walk in the coop. Between the two, it releases the oils and fragrance adding a pleasant scent that covers up the less-than-desirable smells.

 I was surprised that it really did't take a lot of plants to produce enough coop potpourri for the winter. Use whatever fragrant plants you have, but try to incorporate plenty of plants that have medicinal properties and act as bug repellents and such. And don't forget to add this to your tickler file so you remember to harvest these plants annually for your chicken coop potpourri!

Next year I think I'll raise some additional flowers and herbs to mix in. Chamomile, thyme, scented geraniums...

 

One Half of One Percent of Young People Have a Biblical Worldview

Scott T. Brown on September 14, 2012  from NCFIC

What will happen to a nation where almost no one has a biblical worldview? The Barna organization has released data which indicates that only 9% of adults in America have a biblical worldview. But what is even more startling is that among individuals eighteen to twenty-three years old, the number is nearly zero. This is a nation where Barna says approximately four in ten adults and one in three teenagers claim to be born again.*

 The research data showed that one pattern emerged loud and clear: young adults rarely possess a biblical worldview. The current study found that less than one-half of one percent of adults in the Mosaic generation – i.e., those aged 18 to 23 – have a biblical worldview, compared to about one out of every nine older adults. – Barna.org

Perhaps we should also consider if this situation is partly a reflection of the loss of biblical discipleship practices in the church and the family. I believe that it is. Further, there is hope for families and churches which are faithful to emulate biblical discipleship patterns which are always age integrated, bible saturated, walk-along-talk-along, relational, and generational in nature.

Here is something to rejoice in. Our God takes delight in mightily using small numbers of dedicated men who are faithful to Him. Let us commit ourselves to building churches that disciple and nurture faithful “aliens and strangers” in an increasingly godless society. As darkness increases around us, may the light of the gospel shine brighter and brighter through our lives, our homes, and our churches.

 *(Think Like Jesus, by George Barna p209)

 

The Last Ounce of Courage Opens This Weekend

by Doug Phillips at Vision Forum

Some very dear friends have labored long and hard to put a film in the theaters this weekend which they hope will encourage many to stand against the tide of indifference in the face of the Marxism and anti-Christian bigotry which is redefining the public square. The film which features many home educators is called “The Last Ounce of Courage” will be opening on more than a thousand screens this weekend. I intend on taking my own family and want to encourage you to do the same. Here is a write-up I received on the film which I am sharing with you:

”...It is a heart warming Christian movie that your whole family can enjoy. All of the lead actors are Christians and Jennifer O’Neill is also a well known speaker at pro-life events. What we did not know until today is that this movie was produced and promoted primarily by home school dads from Texas and Oklahoma. In addition, two of the young lead actors have home schooled. This is a great opportunity to support God-honoring entertainment. Last Ounce of Courage is enthusiastically backed and endorsed by Dr. James Dobson, AFA, Brad Bright (Campus Crusade for Christ), Chuck Norris (only movie ever to get his seal of approval), etc....Please know that a strong opening weekend is VITAL to ensure that the movie and its message will continue in the theaters. You might also utilize email and/or social media communication to your friends and family and workplace. Consider purchasing tickets as a gift for a group, i.e. military families, soldiers, veterans, church groups, schools, family, friends, etc. To purchase tickets for September 14th, 15th or 16th and to find theaters in your area go to: http://www.standusa.com/last-ounce-of-courage/ Please see Last Ounce of Courage this weekend!!!”

 

Guys, It Matters Whom You Marry, Too

"Just as a woman must think carefully about a potential husband, you must be careful about a potential wife. Careful evaluation in a number of areas will save you a lifetime of frustration. Right now, you might think she’s pretty, or playful, or nice to you. It’s not enough. One pregnancy can alter a figure, responsibilities at home can reveal laziness, and a disagreement about money can turn her against you. The church in North America has many men who are hampered in their abilities and success because they were distracted by a pretty face who now seems to bring more trouble than bliss."

1.  It will impact your spiritual life
2.  It will impact your service in the church
3.  It will impact your reputation.
4.  It will impact your work life and finances
5.  It will impact your other relationships.
6.  It will impact your health.

To read this entire article go to The Christian Pundit.

 

Pastor Nadrakhani released from prison!!

Praising God for the release today of Pastor Youcef Nadrakhani from prison, after 1062 days, for sharing his faith.

 Here he is with his two sons this morning, after his release from prison.
 

A Psalm of Thanksgiving 1 Chronicles 16:8-36

Oh give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name;
Make known His deeds among the peoples.
Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonders.
Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad.
Seek the Lord and His strength;
Seek His face continually.
Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done,
His marvels and the judgments from His mouth,
O seed of Israel His servant,
Sons of Jacob, His chosen ones!
 He is the Lord our God;
His judgments are in all the earth.
Remember His covenant forever,
The word which He commanded to a thousand generations,
The covenant which He made with Abraham,
And His oath to Isaac.
He also confirmed it to Jacob for a statute,
To Israel as an everlasting covenant,
Saying, “ To you I will give the land of Canaan,
As the portion of your inheritance.”
When they were only a few in number,
Very few, and strangers in it,
And they wandered about from nation to nation,
And from one kingdom to another people,
He permitted no man to oppress them,
And He reproved kings for their sakes, saying,
“Do not touch My anointed ones,
And do My prophets no harm.”
Sing to the Lord, all the earth;
Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.
Tell of His glory among the nations,
His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.
For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
He also is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
But the Lord made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before Him,
Strength and joy are in His place.
Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name;
Bring an offering, and come before Him;
Worship the Lord in holy array.
Tremble before Him, all the earth;
Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved.
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
And let them say among the nations, “ The Lord reigns.”
Let the sea roar, and all it contains;
Let the field exult, and all that is in it.
Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the Lord;
For He is coming to judge the earth.
O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Then say, “Save us, O God of our salvation,
And gather us and deliver us from the nations,
To give thanks to Your holy name, And glory in Your praise.”
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
From everlasting even to everlasting.
Then all the people said, “Amen,” and praised the Lord.

 

Ravenous Sheep

An excellent article about shepherding by RC Sproul, Jr. of Ligonier Ministries.

I had already failed my first test in becoming a gentleman farmer. Three years and roughly 200 chickens produced eggs for my family at a rate of roughly $1… each. A few years had passed though since my experiment in folly, and I was ready to try again. I purchased three recently weaned lambs, set up portable fencing on my land and became a shepherd.

Things went rather smoothly, until they didn’t. Two weeks into the experiment I looked out into my field and saw a third of the fencing was down. I raced outside to find two of the lambs safe and content, still eating grass. The third also had not run off. No, she had managed to turn the downed fence into a straight jacket. She had gotten herself hopelessly entangled, was on her side and kicking about wildly, tangling herself all the more. I remember grabbing one of the rubber “posts” and pushing the pointed metal end into the lamb’s side, trying to pin her down so I could begin to untangle her. She just kicked all the more. I was sweating, frustrated, and a smidge frightened, and screamed to this little one, my voice echoing across the valley, “Be still. I’m trying to help you.” That’s when I learned what it means to be a shepherd.

Most of us have a rather distorted, city-fied understanding of sheep. We remember from Sunday School that picture of Jesus, smiling as He carried that smiling lamb, the one, over His broad shoulders back to the 99. We never stopped to ask how that one managed to get so far away.

Now the world is full of failed shepherds. Some fail by confusing shepherding with bullying. Most fail by being hirelings, by just not caring. There is, however, a reason why sheep need shepherds, on earth, flesh and blood shepherds. Because sheep are sinners too. They don’t just wander off out of ignorance. They jump over fences to get at what has been forbidden them. They close their ears to the voice of the Master and follow their own downward path. They hide when they sense a shepherd has come for them. And when cornered they will hiss, bite and kick. Worse still, so often after being carried back to the flock they run off again. Some are so anti-shepherd it’s hard to tell if they’re even sheep at all. Whenever I am blessed to visit another’s pulpit I always try to work this nugget into my address. I tell the gathered saints- “The hardest thing about being a pastor is not being poorly paid. If that needs to be fixed and you can, please do. The hardest thing about being a pastor isn’t the long hours. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t call when you are in the emergency room. It does mean if you have a theological question at 9:30 Saturday night, try to wait until after Sunday service to ask. The hardest thing isn’t the lack of respect in the church and the world over his calling. If you can help there, please do. The hardest thing about being a pastor is the pain of watching the sheep you love banging their heads against the wall until their wool is like scarlet.” The hardest thing about being a shepherd is the pain of loving the sheep.

This, though, is the calling of the shepherd. Jesus repeatedly told Peter the implication of his love for Him- feed, tend, feed His sheep. He didn’t say the sheep would joyfully receive their food. He didn’t say they would return the shepherd’s love. He didn’t say they would run to you joyfully when you call them. He said to tend them, and to feed them, to love them. Feed them the Word. Love them. And know that the Great Shepherd of the sheep promises to turn the bloodiest of fleece into the whitest of wool, for them, and for you.

 

Back to Eden

 If you are even considering growing your own food, you will not want to miss seeing this video. If you are already growing your own food, but want to do an even better job at it, watch this video. Click on this link to view "Back to Eden". 

http://vimeo.com/provisionsproductions/backtoeden

 

Queso Blanco

Queso blanco is a very basic cheese.  All you need is:

-1/2 gallon milk (any kind except ultra pasteurized)
-2 to 4 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice
-1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
 -large pan
-thermometer
-strainer
-cheese cloth or flour sack towel or old t-shirt (that is clean:)

Put milk into large pan, heat to 185 degrees.

Remove from heat, add 2 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice, stir gently until curds appear, if curds don't appear right away add another 2 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice. Let set for 5 minutes.  Put a cheese cloth, flour sack towel or t-shirt into the strainer to cover it, put strainer into another pan or bowl to catch whey. Gently pour the curds and whey into the covered strainer. Let sit for 10 minutes.

Put curds into a bowl and add salt, gently mix. Return to covered strainer and gently squeeze more whey from it. Put strainer on a plate and put into the refrigerator to chill.

Put onto a plate and slice.  It is a mild soft cheese. It will not last long so eat with in a day or two. 

You can add the whey to smoothies, pet food or drink it.

(I am sorry there are no photos. I couldn't find my camera. I will try to add some next week when I make some more, hopefully.)

 

NATURAL Soy is Not the Problem...GMO Soy Is

August 1, 2012
by David Christopher MH  of the School for Natural Healing

There is a lot of controversy about soy. Both sides have valid points, but let us start by clearing up one thing. Soy beans are not a new food. They have been consumed for 5,000 years, and have a proven safety record. GMO soy beans are a new food, created by Monsanto® and do not have a proven safety record. The majority of concerns are with the Monsanto® soy beans. By purchasing organic soy beans and 100% organic soybean products (which by law cannot contain GMOs) the majority of concerns are resolved. It should be remembered that any highly processed food, even organic, is problematic, so do not use them. Whole soy bean products, such as soy milk are nutritious. Fractionated or part some soy bean products, such as soy milk made from isolated soy proteins, are not nutritious, can be problematic, and should be avoided.

Natural soy does not cause cancer and does not contain estrogen, as is claimed by its’ opponents. Soy does have phyto-sterols (plant hormones) that are vilified by certain entities and erroneously linked to these cancers. Actually these plant hormones can help prevent cancer. For example, Asian women who consume soy rarely develop breast cancer until they move to America and/or adopt American eating habits, then the cancer rates increase. The same can be said for Asian men and the incidence of prostate cancer.

The anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory phytic acid which is linked to faulty mineral absorption is a problem only when isolated. All foods have some chemical in them that when isolated can cause a myriad of conditions and can even be fatal. However in their whole state these chemicals are buffered and are of no concern. The safety of other foods and many herbs has been questioned because of research conducted with isolated components and then testing these isolates. These types of studies only confirm that isolated chemicals are dangerous and should be avoided, but the whole plant containing these isolates remains safe.

Some claim that soy increases the risk of heart disease, however the opposite is true. If more people would eat soy instead of animal products they would have less cardio vascular disease. Again let me reiterate that I am referring to non GMO whole soy bean foods which should be sprouted. This is a food that contains all of the essential amino acids and has a high content of vitamins and minerals. It does lack vitamin E and carotenes but those are easily obtained from eating your veggies.

Another concern is that some people have allergies to soy; in fact it is the third leading cause of allergies in America. Cow’s milk is number one and Wheat is number two. I find it interesting that these three most allergic foods are the same three substances found in baby formula. Perhaps babies need mothers’ milk from their own species and not two other foods that unprocessed would require teeth to consume them. By feeding these foods to babies whose digestive systems cannot break them down or block their entry, allergies are created. This is how it happens: The Immune system protects self-made proteins and attacks foreign proteins. That is how the immune system works, it recognizes self and leaves it alone, but protein from another species is targeted and attacked. When it attacks the undigested foreign proteins in the wheat and soy that have been absorbed into the babies’ system, allergies are created, which is simply an immune response.

If you have violated principles of health and have allergies to soy try avoiding it for six weeks and during that time desensitize your immune system by taking Dr. Christopher’s Immucalm Formula in large amounts, 5 capsules 5 times per day for two weeks and then 2 capsules three times per day thereafter. Stay away from all allergy potential foods during this six weeks. This is accomplished by eating a fresh produce only diet. (Summer is a great time for fresh foods.) At the end of this six weeks introduce sprouted organic soy beans in small amounts and see if the allergy is ameliorated.

In conclusion wholesome, organic, sprouted, soy is a good food when eaten at the right time, after weaning, and if not allergic. Babies need human mother’s milk not soy or wheat or cow’s milk.

David Christopher is a Master Herbalist and the director of The School of Natural Healing. He also co-hosts the popular radio show "A Healthier You" and is a popular international teacher and lecturer.

 

Prayerlessness

 By Tim Challies at Challies.com

In her book A Place of Quiet Rest, Nancy Leigh DeMoss includes several chapters on prayer. In a chapter titled “The Privilege of Prayer” she discusses a period of prayerlessness in her life and her growing conviction that she had to get to the root of it. “As God opened my eyes to this matter of prayerlessness, I asked Him to let me see it from His point of view. Here is what I wrote in my journal one day when God first began to deal with my heart.” She does not attempt to provide a doctrine of prayer or prayerlessness as much as a reflection on what prayerlessness means in her own life. I found it very helpful.

Here is what she says:

 I am convicted that prayerlessness …

- is a sin against God (1 Samuel 12:23).
- is direct disobedience to the command of Christ (“watch and pray,” Matthew 26:41).
- is direct disobedience to the Word of God (“pray without ceasing,” 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
- makes me vulnerable to temptation (“watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation,” Matthew 26:41).
- expresses independence—no need for God. gives place to the Enemy and makes me vulnerable to his schemes (Ephesians 6:10-20; Daniel 10).
- results in powerlessness.
- limits (and defines)
- my relationship with God. hinders me from knowing His will, His priorities, His direction.
- forces me to operate in the realm of the natural (what I can do) versus the supernatural (what He can do).
- leaves me weak, harried, and hassled.
- is rooted in pride, self-sufficiency, laziness, and lack of discipline.
- reveals a lack of real burden and compassion for others.

 

Why Are Evangelical Young Adults Engaging in Premarital Sex?

 Here is an article from The Christian Pundit.  How do we raise our children?  Do we indulge their every whim and wish?  What kind of examples are we, do we indulge ourselves or do we ever deny ourselves?  Read this wonderful, thought provoking article by RVD.

On the weekend I was talking with a mother of teenaged girls about the statistic that 80% of evangelical, college age kids have premarital sex. Obviously, there’s a problem, and this mother was concerned for the future of the church.

People have pointed out the theological and ecclesiastical reasons for this stat: evangelical kids often come from churches that do not clearly teach biblical patterns of marriage and sexuality, and many teens leave church when they move out of their parents’ home for university or work. Those are problems, certainly. But there may be an even more fundamental issue here: a lack of self denial for Christ’s sake. Many sons and daughters have been indulged for a long time, by family and church. They’re entertained in worship, coached and aided into academic success, sent on fully funded “mission trips” sweetened by theme parks or resorts, allowed to wear what they want, watch what they want, eat what they want, and do what they want, hovered over by helicopter moms who are waiting to come to their aid, day or night. Should we wonder why they can’t deny themselves the strong urge to sleep with a boyfriend or girlfriend when the opportunity arises?

 While every child is certainly responsible for their own sins of impurity, at times parents may bear a share of guilt as well. Are we practiced in denying ourselves, taking up our crosses (i.e., crucifying the old man), and following Christ (Luke 9:23)? We may truly love Jesus and we don’t want our neighbors to go to hell, but are we hungering and thirsting after righteousness? We go out for dinner when we don’t feel like cooking; we love posh vacations; we have more clothing than we can regularly wear; we go golfing instead of serving at home; we expect help with normal child care; we skip evening worship because we want family time. While there is nothing wrong with restaurants, holidays, clothing, golf, etc., are we living routine patterns of self-indulgence to which evangelical Americans have become accustomed?

Not every child who sleeps around has a self-indulgent parent. Some of the most godly parents I know who have been exemplary in living and teaching the gospel to their children still have a son or daughter who end up in the sin and guilt of fornication. Some children heartbreakingly pursue sexual sin without repentance, turning their back on their faith. It is not what we do that saves our children; it is God. But Scripture also tells us that God often uses a pattern of holy living in parents to produce holy offspring. And unbiblical patterns of parenting always throw up obstacles for our children’s obedience.

Why would our kids listen to us telling them to pursue purity and godly restraint when we are giving in to shopping addictions, gluttony, love of money, love of pleasure, and other self-indulgent behaviors? We live with an entitlement attitude, bending Scripture’s commands to holiness when they are too uncomfortable or costly. Why are we surprised when our kids sleep around?

 In a sermon on Luke 9:23, John Wesley wrote that “if the will of God be our one rule of action in every thing, great and small, it follows, by undeniable consequence, that we are not to do our own will in anything. Here, therefore, we see at once the nature, with the ground and reason, of self-denial. We see the nature of self-denial: It is the denying or refusing to follow our own will, from a conviction that the will of God is the only rule of action to us. And we see the reason thereof, because we are creatures; because ‘it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves’.”

Jeremiah Burroughs wrote in The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment that we “must learn the lesson of self-denial or you can never become a scholar in Christ’s school, and be learned in this mystery of contentment. That is the first lesson that Christ teaches any soul, self-denial, which brings contentment, which brings down and softens a man’s heart.”

The mother I was speaking to on the weekend is doing a good job of living this. But a generation of her daughters’ peers has been left open to great temptation and sin by their own hearts and by parents who refuse to teach their children self denial by precept and example. Have we learned “the first lesson that Christ teaches any soul”? Are we helping our children to learn it so they can be holy even as God is holy (Lev. 20:26, I Peter 1:16)? Perhaps a generation of parents who are disciplined in prayer and Scripture reading, in fasting and tithing, in putting the old man to death and walking in newness of life (Rom. 6:4) will by grace be able to raise a generation of children who exceed their parents in holiness and living in the world, but not of it (Rom. 12:2).

 

"What Do You Do When You Just Keep Failing?"

 Here is a beautiful article written by Mrs. Joseph Wood at a moment with mom.

This was the question one of my children presented as we drove into town. I asked them to explain and the conversation went on like this…

“What do you mean?” I asked. “Well, I just keep messing up. I keep trying, keep praying and yet, I keep doing what I don’t want to do!” the child replied. I asked my next question, “Well define failure for me?” The child went on to explain that it when you keep messing up and doing what you don’t want to do no matter how hard you try. I understood now and answered, “I see. We have different ideas of what failure is. See, I believe failure is when you stop trying. It’s when you mess up and stop trying to ever do different. That’s what failure is to me. The Scriptures tell us that while we will fall we will also arise. Failure is not messing up… even if you’ve messed up 1001 times. Failure is falling and never getting up. Failure is giving up. Failure is NOT the act of messing up no matter how many times you’ve messed up. As far, as I can tell you’ve not failed yet.” The child pondered for a moment and earnestly replied, “Hmm… I see now. I think I am looking at this all wrong.” with a smile I said,”I think you might be dear child.”

 How many times as wives and mothers we’ve felt the feelings of failure as well? Our homes aren’t as clean as we like, we’re not as sweet and dream, our tongues aren’t nearly as bridled as we know they should be, and the list could go on and on. We too need these reminders that messing up, getting it wrong… even if it’s the 100th time we’ve got it wrong, is not failure if we try again. Rather, let us place all our hope in His grace to help us overcome our weaknesses!

A few days later, we read Romans chapter 7 as a family. God opened each of our eyes. There before us, we read as Paul struggled with the same feelings of “failure”. Several times he said that he does that which he does not want to do concluding with, “O wretched man that I am!” Many of us giggled, understanding how torn you feel when you are trying to do that which you know is right and somehow find your flesh still overcoming and doing that which you do not wish to do! Would any of us call Paul a failure? Of course not! So why then, do we listen to the voices in our head, the lies that say we are failing, failed or failures? Let us put away such thinking! Let us cling to Truth and press forward in this race! If we do not grow weary in well doing we will reap a great reward!

Here are some passages you may enjoy posting throughout your home so you can ponder on them the next time feeling like you’re failing.

To God be the Glory,
Mrs. Joseph Wood

Romans Chapter 7

Micah 7:8 Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy; when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.

Proverbs 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

 

Love Thy Neighbor?

"My neighbor seems like a nice guy but suffers from muddled thinking. The other day he came over to see me and said he was overextended financially, had maxed out all his credit cards, and wanted to know if I could lend him some money. I told him that I usually didn't lend money to non-family members but asked how much he needed. When he said a "few thousand" I immediately told him no."

Read more at American Thinker.

(Thank you to Patrice Lewis for sharing this article on her blog Rural Revolution.)

Homemakers Creed

This is Great!! I think I will copy this and put it on my wall. Thank you to Darlene at Time-Warp Wife for sharing this on face book. My family DOES deserve my best!!  And with God's help and their patience I will strive to do just that.

Do We See God's True Handiwork?

 by RVD at the Christian Pundit

"We love going through these houses and marveling at how men have taken raw materials from creation, used their gifts to cut, carve, shape and paint, and make something that brings delight: a porch with intricate stone work framing a lovely view; a Durer etching in exactly the right alcove; cut glass that takes sunlight and turns it into thousands of rainbows on a tile floor.

But how often do I take the time to delight in the Lord’s work in the souls of His people? When do I see the Creator’s handiwork in the life of a saint and wonder? Does evidence of sanctification in another believer cause me to marvel as much as Chippendale furniture does?"

Go to the Christian Pundit and read the entire article.
 

Pensive, Doubting, Fearful Heart

 by John Newton

Pensive, doubting, fearful heart, Hear what Christ the Savior says;
Every word should joy impart, Change thy mourning into praise:
Yes, he speaks, and speaks to thee, May he help thee to believe!
Then thou presently wilt see, Thou hast little cause to grieve.

“Fear thou not, nor be ashamed, All thy sorrows soon shall end
 I who heav’n and earth have framed, Am thy husband and thy friend
 I the High and Holy One, Israel’s GOD by all adored;
As thy Savior will be known, Thy Redeemer and thy Lord.

For a moment I withdrew, And thy heart was filled with pain;
But my mercies I’ll renew, Thou shalt soon rejoice again:
Though I scorn to hide my face, Very soon my wrath shall cease;
‘Tis but for a moment’s space, Ending in eternal peace.

When my peaceful bow appears Painted on the wat’ry cloud;
‘Tis to dissipate thy fears, Lest the earth should be o’erflowed:
‘Tis an emblem too of grace, Of my cov’nant love a sign;
Though the mountains leave their place, Thou shalt be for ever mine.

Though afflicted, tempest tossed, Comfortless awhile thou art,
Do not think thou canst be lost, Thou art graven on my heart
All thy walls I will repair, Thou shalt be rebuilt anew;
And in thee it shall appear, What a God of love can do.

 

How the American Church Paved the Way for ObamaCare

 Posted by Scott T. Brown of NCFIC on June 29, 2012

 The United States Government has done it again! With the recent Supreme Court validation of ObamaCare, it has usurped the role of individual citizens to care for themselves and will punish them through taxation if they try. The “Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave” has taken another giant leap towards the “land of the oppressed and home of the coward.” However, hope for America does not depend on Republican control of the White House and Congress, but instead in the rising awakening of churches and families who desire to be governed by scripture. I am connected with many of these and have much hope, regardless of the big government threat.

First, let’s examine what just happened. The Supreme Court’s validation of the Affordable Care Act can seem confusing, but it boils down to a simple fact. Under the Constitution, Congress cannot compel you to buy something, but it can tax you for not complying. Passing this law means that the Court creatively justified something that is wrong in principle. They used the Constitution to abuse the Constitution. It was legislative licentiousness.

But all of this is nothing new!


The government has always used taxes to control behavior and now it wants to control your healthcare. Government healthcare is logically consistent with our headlong sprint toward socialism in America. We are systematically surrendering every personal responsibility we have been given by God to be pampered and coddled by a doting Government. We have surrendered the role of parents to educate their children to the public school system. We have surrendered the role of families and churches to care for orphans and widows to Government assistance programs and welfare. The menagerie of further Government control and oversight being proposed should not surprise us. From the bizarre suggested ban on buying a 44 oz coke in New York, to the outright attack on biblical family life with the Delaware legislative attempt to penalize disciplining children – all of these moves are consistent.

 Is this what the founders of America envisioned? Doesn’t the Constitution of the United States forbid giant government from taking over every area of life in America? Yes, it does! Then how did we get here? We got here by increasingly considering the Constitution as outdated, by abandoning the Word of God as a standard, and by “reimagining” government with enlightened, postmodern minds freed from the shackles of the old and dusty “rules.”

But before we simply point fingers at the Government we need to stop and take a hard look in the mirror. The church is supposed to “hold to the pattern” (2 Tim 1:13) and be a “beacon on a hill” (Matt 5:14) setting an example of obedience to God’s word and faithfulness to “His ways.” But in my own lifetime, I have seen the church “re-imagine” itself every few years and furiously work to leave behind the old dusty “rules” in favor of enlightened, approaches that appeal to the impulses of our modern self exalting affections.

The Government is simply doing what pastors and churches do all the time. The church in America has come to do what it wants based on pragmatism by saying, “Anything goes, I am under grace not law.” Churches often grow themeslves by ignoring the clear teaching of Scripture in order to achieve pragmatic objectives and then justifying the “advances.” The church has freely set aside the biblical language of church government, church offices, and church practices. It has disregarded simple and clear statements about sexuality, manhood, and womanhood and rejected the clear teaching of Scripture on the matter of educating children. Like the Government, the church has become comfortable throwing off all restraint if it can find an excuse. We do not want to be restrained, but the truth is that Scripture restrains. The truth is, the Constitution restrains. They were designed to restrain evil, abuses of power, and inappropriate creativity.

What does a lawless church have to do with a lawless court? Everything! As the family goes, so goes the church. As the church goes, so goes the nation. In this case, home life and church life gave birth to Supreme Court life. Church leaders and their people don’t want the Bible to constrain them any more than they want the Constitution to constrain them. This is how the church paved the way for ObamaCare.

Revelation 1:5 says that Jesus Christ is “ruler over the kings of the earth.” But we are in no position to demand that our Government honors Christ as King or that it constrain its actions to honor the Constitution, until first we honor Christ as the ruler of our families, churches, and personal lives by constraining our actions according to His revealed Word!

So in the wake of this devastating Supreme Court decision, my heart is actually full of hope. Contrary to the antinomian culture at large and unlike lawless churches and homes that have thrown off “the old paths” (Jer 6:16) and paved the way for today’s ObamaCare, I see a rising remnant of families and churches returning to God and His Word. They are raising up a new generation of sons and daughters who desire to be governed by the Word of God alone and as a result, honor the Constitution of the United States. And in time, I believe this will produce a new generation of leaders, even Supreme Court justices and congressmen, who have grown up in families and churches that have loved submission to God’s Word, and who have seen their fathers and mothers constrain their lives by the “Law of liberty”! This gives me great hope for the future of America.

Do you think the church paved the way for ObamaCare?

Do you think that a reformation of church and family life and the true conversion of its members is the answer for America?

 

First Episode of Church & State

Where is our world going? Where have we come from? Listen to this young man give some challenges to all Americans.

"O Sole Mio"

Could this be the next "Three Tenors"? Three young men singing "O Sole Mio".

Milk–Healthful or Harmful?

"Milk–one of the most controversial topics in the health food world. Some “experts” recommend raw milk, some adamantly warn of the dangers of it, and some say milk is only for babies."

Here are some of the topics discussed in this very thorough article at healthyfamiliesforgod.com

-Over 50 milk references in the Bible
-Fresh Unprocessed vs. Pasteurized/Homogenized
-Homogenization
-Drugs in milk
-Grain-fed cows
-Fractioned milk
-Health benefits of unprocessed milk
-But raw milk is dangerous!
 

 

Little House Living Giveaway

 I have been enjoying Little House on the Prairie Living.  Lots of great tips for living frugally, recipes, cleaning the house one room at a time, LOTS of resources and some giveaways too!

Check it out at littlehouseliving.com. They are having a give away right now from Whole Sweeteners.


 

How to Make Essential Oils

"Here am I, Lord-send me!"

"It's easy to talk about how bad things are getting, but "mere talk leads only to poverty." It's easy to say "where are the Godly men?" but it's another matter to say "Here am I, LORD- send me!" Please prayerfully consider this. The God-fearing Americans that our nation needs so desperately might well be the people who are reading this right now."--Gabriel Hudelson

Read this young man's very inspiring blog article at Thine is The Kingdom.  We need more young people who are willing to speak out and let the world know about God and His love.
 

We are in a Battle, not against flesh and blood

Ephesians 6:10-13, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."

Onward Christian Soldiers
Words: Sabine Baring-Gould, 1864

Onward Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, 
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle , see, His banners go!

At the sign of triumph Satan's host doth flee;
On, then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell's foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
Christians, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise!

Like a might army moves the Church of God.
Christians, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided; all one body we:
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.

Crowns and thrones may perish. Kingdoms rise and wane;
But the Church of Jesus constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never 'gainst that Church prevail; 
We have Christ's own promise, which can never fail.


Onward, then, ye people! Join our happy throng; 
Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.
Glory, laud, and honor unto Christ, the King:
This thro' countless ages men and angels sing.


Onward, Christain soldiers! Marching as to war, 
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
 

“The seven characteristics of highly evangelistic Christians”

by Scott T. Brown at ScottBrownonline

1. They are people of prayer. They realize that only God can convict and convert, and they are totally dependent upon Him in prayer. Most of the highly evangelistic Christians spend at least an hour in prayer each day.

2. They have a theology that compels them to evangelize. They believe in the urgency of the gospel message. They believe that Christ is the only way of salvation. They believe that anyone without Christ is doomed for a literal hell.

3. They are people who spend time in the Word. The more time they spend in the Bible, the more likely they are to see the lostness of humanity and the love of God in Christ to save those who are lost.

4. They are compassionate people. Their hearts break for those who don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They have learned to love the world by becoming more like Christ who has the greatest love for the world.

5. They love the communities where God has placed them. They are immersed in the culture because they desire for the light of Christ to shine through them in their communities.

6. They are intentional about evangelism. They pray for opportunities to share the gospel. They look for those opportunities. And they see many so-called casual encounters as appointments set by God.

7. They are accountable to someone for their evangelistic activities. They know that many good activities can replace Great Commission activities if they are not careful. Good can replace the best. So they make certain that someone holds them accountable each week, either formally or informally, for their evangelistic efforts.

The “Secret” of Evangelistic Churches 

The secret is really no secret at all. Ultimately, evangelistic churches see more persons become Christians through the passionate efforts of highly evangelistic Christians. More than any programs. More than any church events. More than anything else, we are the instruments God has chosen to use.

Sometimes we ask the question “What is my church doing to become more evangelistic?” But the better question is “What am I doing to become more evangelistic?”

Charles H. Spurgeon was right. We need more soul winners.

We need more highly evangelistic Christians.
 

Only Government Can Deliver Babies?

Watch this GREAT video about the decision to have a home birth, from the view of the father.

My Birthday Gift

As most of you know I had a birthday a little over a week ago. Well, my wonderful Son gave me a great gift. He gave me a gift certificate for Amazon.com.  Boy, did I have a great time shopping and spending. And believe me I spent every penny of it on books and DVD's, not one red cent on shipping (I made sure every thing I ordered was available for free Super Saver shipping. I did end up paying $4.52 more, just because I couldn't get my order to the exact amount and didn't want to waste any of it:)
  So anyway here is what I was able to get with the awesome gift.  (Thank you, Christopher, very much. It is much appreciated.)  Now most of the books will be helpful once we get a farm in a dire emergency situation, but I wanted to get a head start. A couple are for personal growth and the DVD's were just for fun.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0800719964/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006OBPZY/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i10

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000056MMM/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i07

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1563637502/ref=oh_details_o00_s02_i00

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/039592622X/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i08

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0395988144/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i09

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1885904177/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i01

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1580178790/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i03

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1580173039/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i04

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1580172202/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i05

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1933392592/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i02

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0452296226/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i06

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0891075860/ref=oh_details_o00_s02_i01

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615218997/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i11

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0931432820/ref=oh_details_o00_s01_i00