Are you a Peeping Tom?

Here is an article written by Stacy McDonald at Your Sacred Calling.

This is a small excerpt from Randy Alcorn’s book, The Purity Principle.

Suppose I said, “There’s a great-looking girl down the street. Let’s go look through her window and watch her undress, then pose for us naked, from the waist up. Then this girl and her boyfriend will get in a car and have sex–let’s listen and watch the windows steam up!”
You’d be shocked. You’d think, What a pervert!
But suppose instead I said, “Hey, come on over. Let’s watch Titanic.”
Christians recommend this movie, church youth groups view it together, and many have shown it in their homes. yet the movie contains precisely the scenes I described.
So, as our young men lust after the girl on the screen, our young women are trained in how to get a man’s attention.
How does something shocking and shameful somehow become acceptable because we watch it through a television instead of a window?
In terms of the lasting effects on our minds and morals, what’s the difference?
Yet many think, Titanic? Wonderful! It wasn’t even rated R!
Every day Christians across the country, including many church leaders, watch people undress through the window of television. We peek on people committing fornication and adultery, which our God calls an abomination.
We’ve become voyeurs, Peeping Toms, entertained by sin.

While the movie, Titanic, is old news, there are plenty of movies (and television shows) that would fit this description, and there are plenty of Christian watching them under the catch-all excuse of “Christian liberty.”

1 Corinthians 6:18, "Flee immorality. Every sin that a man commits is outside body, but the immoral man sins against his own body."

Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things."

How To Make Home Made Deodorant

Go to Stacy McDonald's blog Commonsensemom.com to find out more.

How to Make Your Own All Natural Deodorant from James McDonald on Vimeo.

Excuse Me, Mr. Moon Muffin; But Do You Know Who Gave That to You?

Here is a great article I received in my email the other day, by Stacy McDonald at "The Common Scents Mom". It is about our health and how God provides what we need if we will only look what He has provided for us.


Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. (James 1:17)

And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food.” (Genesis 1:29)

Walk into any health food store and you’ll have trouble walking five steps without running into evidence that Christians have relinquished their rights to God’s good gift of natural health and healing. Hippies, New Agers, Eastern religions, and naturalists embrace the gift, but reject the Gift-Giver. Christians, on the other hand, rightly embrace the Gift-Giver; but ironically devalue His gifts by placing them below man’s wisdom in worth and authority. The gift of natural foods and medicine was given to us by God, therefore they are good and useful, and will serve us well when used properly and with thanksgiving.


He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and vegetation for the service of man… (Psalm 104:14)

Amazingly, the gifts God gave us weren’t stolen by the pagans; we gladly gave them away, as we became more “progressive and enlightened.” Like a young child enamored by a shiny, new penny, we traded our hundred dollar bill, for a virtually worthless coin. Blinded by pride, we turned from our trust in God and His generous gifts, to man and his almighty science. We blindly expected from man’s wisdom, what man, all on his own, can’t provide.


“While science has served us well in improving our standards of living and bringing us many advances, people have grown to expect more from science than science can possibly deliver. It has become a false god, the idol of modern civilization…People have come to regard modern medicine with a faith traditionally reserved for religion.” – Healing Oils of the Bible, Dr. David Stewart Ph.D.

I tease my husband about his secret (or not so secret) love for potato chips, but he really does “get it.” Especially as he’s discovered that food really can and is supposed to taste good without being altered beyond recognition. It doesn’t need chemicals and food dyes anymore than my daughters need Botox or facelifts (I didn’t use myself as an example just in case you disagreed with me!).

Those of us who grew up on Frankenberry and Ding Dongs learned to love the taste of dirt. But, I’ve found that as we begin to eat right, we develop a taste for what is good, wholesome, and nourishing. Our palates “heal” and we learn to recognize and enjoy the “good stuff” from the pink sugared cardboard.

We need more Christians to stop pretending like it’s cool or funny to love and eat junk food. It’s not good stewardship of our bodies (or the bodies of our children) to be careless about what we eat or expose our bodies to; or to live like popping pills for every ailment is perfectly okay.

I’ve seen some Christians behave as though it is “godlier” to ignore healthy eating (because “God is sovereign” and we’re “all going to die anyway”). Could that be testing God? It is true that we should not be fearful or obsessed, but giving thanks to God for His good gifts, and utilizing them to His glory, is wise stewardship and shows an appreciation for His care of us.


Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!…Fools, because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, were afflicted. Their soul abhorred all manner of food, and they drew near to the gates of death.

Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing. (Psalm 107:15–22)

In addition, synthetic drugs (which can be patented) attempt to duplicate the intricate healing nature of the natural medicines that God gave us in herbs, flowers, and resins (which cannot be patented). While there is a place for pharmaceutical drugs in certain instances (especially emergencies), they are rarely helpful for chronic illness, since they do not have the ability to actually heal. They may help control symptoms, but true healing requires restoration. For instance, amputating a gangrene leg is not “healing” the body; though it certainly may be necessary to save the life of the victim.

Rather than suppress the immune system, disrupt other bodily functions, or simply offer relief by concealing symptoms, properly administered natural methods of healing support and stimulate the immune system to help the body to actually heal itself.


Antibiotics kill off everything indiscriminately, unable to tell one bacteria from another. They are microscopic killing machines, programmed to seek out bacteria without discrimination. In other words, they are brainless robots. They are made by fallible men.

Aromatic oils know the difference between the bacteria we need and the hostile invaders. They kill off only the invaders, leaving the friendly flora intact. They are made by our infallible God and imbued with his benevolent intelligence (Ezek. 47:12). – Dr. David Stewart, Ph.D. (Healing Oils of the Bible)

It grieves me to hear Christians refer to health food or natural methods of healing the body as “New Age.” Why should God’s gifts to us be viewed as the property of pagans? God’s gifts are good! It’s time we take the “woo woo” out of healthy living, reclaim our rightful property, and use it to glorify God and expand His Kingdom!


Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine. (Ezekiel 47:12)

If you are interested in using essential oils to take care of your family more naturally, let me know. I’m here to help! And CLICK HERE for a special offer to help get you started!

See Simple Steps to Healthier Living

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on The Common Scents Mom is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to prescribe, diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is your responsibility to educate yourself and address any health or medical needs you may have with your physician. Please seek professional help when needed.

The Mutual Duties Of Husbands And Wives Towards Each Other

"Selfish ungodly persons everywhere enter into all kinds of relationships with a desire of serving their ownselves, and gratifying their own flesh without knowing or caring what is required of them. Their desire is for the honour, profit, or pleasure their relationship will provide them but not for what God and man requires or expects from them. [Gen 2:18, Prov 18:22] Their mind is concerned only with what they shall have and not for what they shall be and do. [1]

They know what they want others to do for them, but do not care what their duty is to do for others. This is the way it is with too many husbands and wives.

We should be very concerned to know what the duties of our relationships are. And how we can please God in our relationships. Study and do your part, and God will certainly do his."

Read this excellent article in its entirety over at Your Sacred Calling.
There is so much that isn't discussed before two people get married and once they are married there is little discussion on how to REALLY stay married.  What does God say in His Word to married couples?

Train Up a Child...

by Stacy McDonald

I am heartbroken for the little girls out there who are not only unprotected, but exploited – even by their own parents.

I was absolutely apalled today when I read the following article, which included a video of 7-year-old girls at a dance competition! They were dancing to bump and grind music, in red and black stripper bikinis, gyrating for the crowd:

“The signs are all there: The hip-grinding come-ons. Legs kicked up to the ear. Skin-baring lingerie. This particular video remake of Beyoncé’s hit “Single Ladies” follows a rubric of raunchy moves straight out of the pole-dance manual. But the performers, according to published reports, are 7-year-olds.”

(What were these parents thinking when they put their little girls in a class like this? What are these parents hoping their young daughters grow up to be? Pray for these young girls, they are innocent, but won't remain that way very long.)

To read the rest of this article go to Your Sacred Calling.

Purity in Life

Ladies, say this with me: I speak
dishonestly of the purity of Christ if I dress in a way that
contradicts my testimony, or puts into question my chastity. I
represent Jesus by the way I behave, dress, speak, and love my
neighbor. The way I present myself in public should point others to Christ, not distract people from Him. - Stacy McDonald

The Music that We and Our Children Listen To

What type of music do you and your children listen to? You heard me right, whatever you listen to will influence your children too, just as much as what their friends are listening to. Here is a part of an article written by Stacy McDonald.

"I’d like to challenge my children (and yours) to think critically before accidentally absorbing the philosophies of the world. Imagine if someone from the dregs of society approached you and said, “Repeat after me.” What would you do? Would you blindly repeat whatever they said; or would you analyze the words first, making sure you agree with the message before you ever repeated it?"

To read the article in its entirety, go to Your Sacred Calling.

Speechless: Silencing the Christians

Here is a video that homosexuals do not want you to see. They have gone as far as blocking it from being viewed on major networks. Please go to the link, view the video (it is almost an hour long) and then decide what your family can do. I wouldn't recommend it for young children, there are some scenes that could be troubling to them. I want to thank Stacy McDonald for bringing this to our attention.

I Am What I Am: Growing in Thankfulness

by Stacy McDonald

“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain....” (1 Corinthians 15:10, NKJV)

Every once in a while, when I am feeling extra sorry for myself (we all do it sometimes), I wonder why God wasted His time on me. In fact, it seems He still does it. Every day He gives me the grace I need to get through the day. He blesses me with food, shelter, clothing, beautiful children, and a husband who loves me. He has blessed me with health, a lovely home, a wonderful church family, and immeasurable joy. But why? Doesn’t He know who I am?

It happens at night. All my sins, undone projects, fears, childrearing failures, and secret flaws invade my thoughts. I think about the cellar I have wanted to clean out for months now, the garden that just didn’t quite make it this year, and the fact that William still isn’t potty trained! (You didn’t expect me to tell you my worst fears, did you?)

Then I idolize my friends and their families. I think about others who seem to have it all together and I dwell on how I will never measure up—then anxiety comes. I don’t know about you, but I find it impossible to be thankful when I focus on my failures, or when I compare myself to others. In fact, when I focus on myself this way, I am more likely to give up, become depressed, or grow angry and bitter toward those I have idolized. And when I compare myself to others, I either blame myself or I blame others for being so…so perfect! The nerve!

But deep down I know the truth. You know the truth. They are not perfect. Jesus is the only perfect One. Don’t do it! Don’t compare yourself to others. No matter what it looks like from your vantage point, the people in the family you have idolized still sin: the children are not perfect; the mom sometimes says unkind things; the father speaks in sinful anger from time to time; and their family creates messes that have to be cleaned…just like yours.

Regaining a Right Focus

So how do you take your eyes off other people? How do you break the habit of comparing and placing burdens upon yourself—burdens that God didn’t put there? How do you keep from having those late-night anxiety attacks? First, repent. Turn your eyes away from your own works and off your feeble idols and turn them toward your Lord God—the only perfect One!

“Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.” (Psalm 119:37, ESV)

Focus on Jesus and His grace toward you. As I reflect on God’s redeeming power and providence in my life, I stand amazed. I’m so undeserving of His grace and so deserving of His wrath. But then again, it is not about me.

In my weakness, I occasionally forget that God’s mercy toward me has nothing to do with me. It is all about His grace. And I must remember that “His grace toward me was not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:10). This is where I must be in order to truly be thankful for the work He has done in my life and for any blessing He gives me.

God is Faithful, Even When We Are Not

I am reminded of His faithfulness toward me when I recall that He has never left me nor forsaken me—even during those times when I thoroughly deserved it. As unworthy and insignificant as I am, never once did God forget me.

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” (Hebrews 13:5, NKJV)

As I sat in a foster home as a baby, awaiting a family to adopt me, God was there with me. He was my Comforter.

When He put it on the heart of my parents to adopt me, even though they knew it would mean many future doctors’ bills, God was caring for me. He was to me a “Father to the fatherless.”

When I endured my first major back surgery at five years old, God guided the surgeon’s hand, keeping me from being forever paralyzed. He was my Healer.

When I cried out to God as a young teen, “Why did you make me this way?” He heard and He answered; though He had not yet opened my ears to hear Him. He was my Creator.

When I left the home of my parents and rebelled against the good things I had been taught, He shielded me from total destruction (1 Corinthians 5:5) and taught me hard lessons I would need later. He was my merciful Protector.

A few years later, God pulled me out of the pit. I didn’t “find Jesus.” He found me—kicking and screaming.

Looking back, I don’t believe I have a “salvation date.” I think it took me a good two years before I surrendered my life to God and truly trusted Jesus for salvation. It was a process. I was spiritually broken, bruised, and bleeding. I was like the bird with a broken wing—trying desperately to fly away on my own (Obadiah 4).

Even when God brought me to my knees, I would have fled if I could, but God had me where He wanted me. As I lay struggling, He bandaged my wounds, healed my hurts, and won my love (Psalm 147:3). He forced me to see me my sinful stubborn heart, and I repented. He forgave me and life finally truly began.

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31, ESV)

It was during this time that I realized God had been with me all along. His handiwork had been woven into the very fabric of my life—even before I was born.

Although I was called to walk through many painful and difficult things, most of which I brought upon myself, God guided and protected me in the midst of it all. I live with many consequences of a sinful past—consequences that are daily reminders to me of His grace in my life; but God has redeemed it all and is using it for His glory. That is what it is all about—His glory.

His providential hand in my life has never slowed or weakened. There's no way to deny it—God leads and protects us, ordaining our steps from the very beginning.

Before I ever knew Him, He knew me, and set me apart for His own purpose (Jeremiah 1:5). Every one of His children is set apart in this same way. How awesome is that?

Enter His Gates With Thanksgiving

“But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14, NKJV)

And every one of us, each of His children, is a work in progress. We may be in different places on the path of sanctification, but we are to be one in Christ, as a testimony of God’s Truth to the world (John 17:22-23).

If we rely on our own miserable works or blind ourselves by idolizing the imagined “perfect” works of others, we will never be thankful, only hopeless and covetous.

Remember, by God’s grace, we are what we are. He has redeemed our past; He is sanctifying us now; and He has secured our future. His grace toward us is not in vain. For that, we should all give Him thanks and praise.

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” (Psalm 107:8-9, NKJV)

Copyright 2008 Homeschooling Today magazine, November/December 2008

"Have it Your Way"

Here is a must read, from Stacy McDonald, for parents today, about our children being consumed by the world:

http://yoursacredcalling.blogspot.com/2008/07/have-it-your-way.html