tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44300830670270636422024-02-07T03:08:25.927-05:00Dead Fish SwimmingSo commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, so that as long as the sky remains above the earth, you and your children may flourish in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors. Dueteronomy 11:18-21Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06936912689314538881noreply@blogger.comBlogger362125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430083067027063642.post-36219398900818000852020-01-25T20:55:00.003-05:002020-01-25T20:55:59.314-05:00Book of WisdomA friend of mine shared this with me several years ago, I was looking for it the other day and I just happened to come across it again tonight. <br />
<br />
The book of Proverbs holds a special place in my heart. When I was younger, my mother implemented a punishment that really worked. If we misbehaved, we had to copy a chapter of the book of Proverbs and we were totally grounded until it was copied. It takes about an hour to copy one chapter, but I can remember rushing through and trying to copy it as quickly as possible. I remember thinking how unfair it was. Years later, and I see the wisdom my mother was trying to impart. It is the one book of the Bible that I tend to know better than the others, simply because I copied it so many times =)<br />
<br />
Some of the wisdom of this book arranged topically. My children have asked me how many times I had to copy chapters... and the answer is many, but also not so many, and I understand now that my mother was trying to impart wisdom to my heart.<br />
<br />
<strong style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><em>Accountability to Others / Taking Advice</em></strong><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 10:17 NLT People who accept correction are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore it will lead others astray.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 12:15 NLT Fools think they need no advice, but the wise listen to others.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 13:10 NLT Pride leads to arguments; those who take advice are wise.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 13:13 NLT People who despise advice will find themselves in trouble; those who respect it will succeed.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 13:14 NLT The advice of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 13:18 NLT If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept criticism, you will be honored.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 15:10 NLT Whoever abandons the right path will be severely punished; whoever hates correction will die.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 15:12 NLT Mockers don’t love those who rebuke them, so they stay away from the wise.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 15:22 NLT Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many counselors bring success.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 15:31 NLT If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 15:32 NLT If you reject criticism, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 18:2 NLT Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 19:20 NLT Get all the advice and instruction you can, and be wise the rest of your life.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 19:27 NLT If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you have turned your back on knowledge.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 20:18 NLT Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without the advice of others.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 24:5-6 NLT A wise man is mightier than a strong man, and a man of knowledge is more powerful than a strong man. 6 So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many counselors.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 25:11-12 NLT Timely advice is as lovely as golden apples in a silver basket. 12 Valid criticism is as treasured by the one who heeds it as jewelry made from finest gold.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 27:17 NLT As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 29:1 NLT Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be broken beyond repair.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><em>Admonishing a Fellow Believer</em></strong><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 9:8-9 NLT So don’t bother rebuking mockers; they will only hate you. But the wise, when rebuked, will love you all the more. 9 Teach the wise, and they will be wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn more.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 12:26 NLT The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 17:10 NLT A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 25:13 NLT Faithful messengers are as refreshing as snow in the heat of summer. They revive the spirit of their employer.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 27:9 NLT The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 27:17 NLT As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><em>Bad Company Corrupts Good Character</em></strong><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 1:10-15 NLT My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them! 11 They may say, “Come and join us. Let’s hide and kill someone! Let’s ambush the innocent! 12 Let’s swallow them alive as the grave swallows its victims. Though they are in the prime of life, they will go down into the pit of death. 13 And the loot we’ll get! We’ll fill our houses with all kinds of things! 14 Come on, throw in your lot with us; we’ll split our loot with you.” 15 Don’t go along with them, my child! Stay far away from their paths.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 13:20 NLT Whoever walks with the wise will become wise; whoever walks with fools will suffer harm.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 14:7 NLT Stay away from fools, for you won’t find knowledge there.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 20:19 NLT A gossip tells secrets, so don’t hang around with someone who talks too much.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 22:24-25 NLT Keep away from angry, short-tempered people, 25 or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 23:20-21 NLT Do not carouse with drunkards and gluttons, 21 for they are on their way to poverty. Too much sleep clothes a person with rags.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 24:21-22 NLT My child, fear the LORD and the king, and don’t associate with rebels. 22 For you will go down with them to sudden disaster. Who knows where the punishment from the LORD and the king will end?</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><em style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><strong>Benefits of Fellowship</strong></em><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 13:20 NLT Whoever walks with the wise will become wise; whoever walks with fools will suffer harm.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 15:17 NLT A bowl of soup with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 18:24 NLT There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><em style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><strong>Careless Speech</strong></em><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 11:9 NLT Evil words destroy one’s friends; wise discernment rescues the godly.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 11:11 NLT Upright citizens bless a city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it apart.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 11:12 NLT It is foolish to belittle a neighbor; a person with good sense remains silent.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 12:18 NLT Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 13:3 NLT Those who control their tongue will have a long life; a quick retort can ruin everything.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 15:28 NLT The godly think before speaking; the wicked spout evil words.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 18:7 NLT The mouths of fools are their ruin; their lips get them into trouble.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 21:23 NLT If you keep your mouth shut, you will stay out of trouble.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 25:18 NLT Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 26:18-19 NLT Just as damaging as a mad man shooting a lethal weapon 19 is someone who lies to a friend and then says, “I was only joking.”</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 29:20 NLT There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><em>Controlled Temper</em></strong><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 12:16 NLT A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 13:3 NLT Those who control their tongue will have a long life; a quick retort can ruin everything.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 13:16 NLT Wise people think before they act; fools don’t and even brag about it!</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 14:17 NLT Those who are short-tempered do foolish things, and schemers are hated.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 14:29 NLT Those who control their anger have great understanding; those with a hasty temper will make mistakes.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 15:1 NLT A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 15:18 NLT A hothead starts fights; a cool-tempered person tries to stop them.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 15:28 NLT The godly think before speaking; the wicked spout evil words.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 17:27 NLT A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 19:11 NLT People with good sense restrain their anger; they earn esteem by overlooking wrongs.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 20:22 NLT Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the LORD to handle the matter.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 26:4-5 NLT When arguing with fools, don’t answer their foolish arguments, or you will become as foolish as they are. 5 When arguing with fools, be sure to answer their foolish arguments, or they will become wise in their own estimation.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 29:11 NLT A fool gives full vent to anger, but a wise person quietly holds it back.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 29:22 NLT A hot-tempered person starts fights and gets into all kinds of sin.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><em>Criticism</em></strong><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 3:30 NLT Don’t make accusations against someone who hasn’t wronged you.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 11:12 NLT It is foolish to belittle a neighbor; a person with good sense remains silent.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><strong style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><em>Encouragement</em></strong><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 12:25 NLT Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 27:17 NLT As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><em style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><strong>Fairness</strong></em><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 24:23 NLT Here are some further sayings of the wise:It is wrong to show favoritism when passing judgment.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><em style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><strong>Forgiveness</strong></em><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 17:9 NLT Disregarding another person’s faults preserves love; telling about them separates close friends.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 19:11 NLT People with good sense restrain their anger; they earn esteem by overlooking wrongs.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><em style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><strong>Friendship</strong></em><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 18:24 NLT There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 25:17 NLT Don’t visit your neighbors too often, or you will wear out your welcome.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 27:10 NLT Never abandon a friend – either yours or your father’s. Then in your time of need, you won’t have to ask your relatives for assistance. It is better to go to a neighbor than to a relative who lives far away.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><em style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><strong>Gossip</strong></em><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 11:13 NLT A gossip goes around revealing secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 16:28 NLT A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 17:9 NLT Disregarding another person’s faults preserves love; telling about them separates close friends.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 18:8 NLT What dainty morsels rumors are – but they sink deep into one’s heart.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 20:19 NLT A gossip tells secrets, so don’t hang around with someone who talks too much.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 25:23 NLT As surely as a wind from the north brings rain, so a gossiping tongue causes anger!</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 26:20 NLT Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><em style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><strong>Healing Speech</strong></em><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 12:18 NLT Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 12:25 NLT Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 15:1 NLT A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 20:15 NLT Wise speech is rarer and more valuable than gold and rubies.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 25:15 NLT Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can crush strong opposition.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 27:9 NLT The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><em style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><strong>Kindness</strong></em><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 3:3-4 NLT Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. 4 Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 3:27-28 NLT Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. 28 If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 11:17 NLT Your own soul is nourished when you are kind, but you destroy yourself when you are cruel.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 11:25 NLT The generous prosper and are satisfied; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 14:21 NLT It is sin to despise one’s neighbors; blessed are those who help the poor.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 15:1 NLT A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 17:17 NLT A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><em style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><strong>Loyalty</strong></em><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 3:3-4 NLT Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. 4 Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 17:17 NLT A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 19:22 NLT Loyalty makes a person attractive. And it is better to be poor than dishonest.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 20:6 NLT Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is really faithful?</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 27:10 NLT Never abandon a friend – either yours or your father’s. Then in your time of need, you won’t have to ask your relatives for assistance. It is better to go to a neighbor than to a relative who lives far away.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><em style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><strong>Reconciling Broken Relationships</strong></em><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 18:19 NLT It’s harder to make amends with an offended friend than to capture a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with iron bars.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><em style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;"><strong><br />Sowing Discord / Arguing</strong></em><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 6:16, 19b NLT There are six things the LORD hates – no, seven things he detests: … a person who sows discord among brothers.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 17:14 NLT Beginning a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 17:19 NLT Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin; anyone who speaks boastfully invites disaster.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 18:6 NLT Fools get into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 18:19 NLT It’s harder to make amends with an offended friend than to capture a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with iron bars.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 20:3 NLT Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 22:10 NLT Throw out the mocker, and fighting, quarrels, and insults will disappear.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 22:24-25 NLT Keep away from angry, short-tempered people, 25 or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 26:17 NLT Yanking a dog’s ears is as foolish as interfering in someone else’s argument.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.850000381469727px;">Proverbs 26:21 NLT A quarrelsome person starts fights as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood.</span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06936912689314538881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430083067027063642.post-51877935015297623852019-10-23T15:21:00.000-04:002019-10-23T15:27:48.082-04:00We are home. <div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
This weekend, a Christian leader at a conference, recorded and publicized, told another Christian leader to “Go Home” in large part because she is a woman. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
This behavior, demonstrated by the highest levels of respected teachers within the faith, is RAMPANT. Taking pot shots at other believers over disagreements and minor doctrinal issues has become a popular past time of those who claim to be faithful. Wake up! We cannot afford to send ANYBODY home. We need every single faithful spirit-filled believer out on the front lines proclaiming the gospel so that MANY will come to know Christ. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
While I could write an entire blog about how/why God calls women into ministry, and that is an important issue, it is the subtext of this blog and not the main focus. A few thoughts to ponder on your own: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Nothing in the flesh qualifies anyone to be a teacher or servant leader (which btw is the one of the only words used to describe pastors, Greek: Diakonos, in the New Testament and is also used to describe Phoebe) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Only the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit gives any of us the ability to do anything worthy or worthwhile. Not our maleness or femaleness. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="text"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Galatians 3:27-29 ESV <span class="text"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> "</span></sup></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;">For as many of you as</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;">were baptized</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;">into Christ have</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;">put on Christ.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: start; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;"><span id="en-ESV-29114" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: start; word-spacing: 0px;">There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave<sup data-fn="#fen-ESV-29114a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-ESV-29114a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box;"></sup>nor free,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;">there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.</span></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: start; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;"><span id="en-ESV-29115" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: start; word-spacing: 0px;">And</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;">if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="color: black;">heirs according to promise." </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
There is a study here on heirs and how property was passed from father to son in Israel. Study how women were heirs -Old Testament – daughters given a portion of the land of Israel – and how they were not typically heirs. Once you understand the custom Paul is describing, you begin to understand the weight of him saying that there are no longer male and female – but both are joint heirs with Christ. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 16px; text-indent: -24px;">I've seen the hashtag #notgoinghome a few times since Monday in reference to the comments made - but perhaps a better one would have been #WeAreHome!</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->There is a great video by Ravi Zacarias that also addresses the idea that women are somehow less, second class citizens in God’s eyes. <a href="https://youtu.be/MD3CsFfLxlo?fbclid=IwAR1jDmRMwpuZ_G_UeYs7Tshd2D2NOfLK0BDjsoKYHHnqrkFOyT6qY8ru0Ic" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #385898; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">https://youtu.be/MD3CsFfLxlo</span></a> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
But let’s just push pause on the whole “Can women teach?” question. Can we just talk about the make-up of our churches these days? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
In a church – let’s say there are 100 adults. Of the 100 adults 60 are women, 40 are men. 34 of the men are married to 34 of the women. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
Now consider children. Each married couple has 2 – so 68 more congregants, but a large portion of the additional 20 women who attend are either married to a partner who will not attend church or are single mothers. Fully 18 have children – so that’s another 36 congregants. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
Our church is shaping up nicely with 100 adults and 104 children. – that’s an above average sized congregation of 204 people. (The average church serves just 184!) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
Now with 40 men to serve the congregation – this little flock should be doing really well – but let’s look at those 40 men<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
68% are watching pornography – and they are watching it regularly. Engaging in a sexual sin that totally disqualifies them from church leadership. Shockingly, there is a 50/50 chance the pastor is also hooked on porn. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
Between 7- 10% of those men are involved in some sort of domestic or sexual violence. (that’s WITHIN the church, not a general population statistic) 30% of murdered women in Georgia, who were victims of domestic violence, had strong connections to their local church! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
Between 10-15% of parishioners have a serious issue with alcoholism or drug abuse (men and women) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
Even if we say that all of these things are co-occurring, we decrease from 40 men who could serve down to about 12 who could serve. Yet, if these things occur independently , and at the highest possible rates, we are down to a mere 2-3 men who are qualified to serve in the local church. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
Taking all of this into account -we should not be surprised that 38% of all marriages within the church are ending in divorce. (BTW that is one of the lowest stats I could find, others place it closer to 50% and still others cite cohabitation as a reason it is not higher)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
So how is our church shaping up?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
40 men:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
27 need significant male accountability and recovery focused programs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
65 women: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
25 have severe marital struggles, likely something to do with abuse and addiction. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
18 are single mothers or married to an unbeliever and need significant support<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
104 children:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
Nursery and preschool programming during services is fairly typical<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
Sunday School, VBS, Awana and teen programs would be highly beneficial for these children<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
50 – 60 are growing up in a home with some sort of addiction<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
36 are growing up in a home that has only one parent or only one faith focused parent<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
AND:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
Some congregants are older shut ins, they need help with basic things like mowing the grass and getting to the grocery. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
Some congregants are severely ill, in the hospital, and need a visit. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
Some are pregnant or have had a recent birth in the family and need help. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
Some have experienced a recent loss of a loved one and need comfort. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
Not to mention the overall State of the Church report released by Barna (<a href="https://www.barna.com/research/state-church-2016/" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">https://www.barna.com/research/state-church-2016/</a>) which reports that fully 56% of “chistians” state they have no responsibility to share the gospel. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
Considering all of this, is it any wonder why God is calling faithful women to serve him? At the very least, the wives of faithful men need to active in serving the congregation!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
And I come to the point – and perhaps it is a bit belabored and long winded and too full of facts and figures, but please hear me. There is so much work to be done. For the people in the back who still think this is about women teaching or some theological debate – THERE IS SO MUCH WORK TO BE DONE. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
Can we please stop taking cheap shots at each other and just be co-laborers in the kingdom? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
Isn’t there more than enough to keep every single one of us busy. Isn’t there enough hurt and heartache and brokenness without trying to tear down good faithful ministry leaders? Have you not seen enough suffering and hurting people that you can stop finding fault with every ministry and person in ministry over something as foolish as whether or not they were born male or female and maybe instead spend your time trying to win souls? Isn’t there enough here to keep the faithful busy for quite some time? I think there is. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
Blessings, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
Amanda</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
References:<br />
<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/04/06/christian-women-in-the-u-s-are-more-religious-than-their-male-counterparts/" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/04/06/christian-women-in-the-u-s-are-more-religious-than-their-male-counterparts/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://conquerseries.com/why-68-percent-of-christian-men-watch-porn/" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">https://conquerseries.com/why-68-percent-of-christian-men-watch-porn/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="https://www.ministrymagazine.org/archive/1988/11/alcoholism-what-pastors-can-do" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">https://www.ministrymagazine.org/archive/1988/11/alcoholism-what-pastors-can-do</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="https://lifewayresearch.com/2018/09/18/pastors-more-likely-to-address-domestic-violence-still-lack-training/" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">https://lifewayresearch.com/2018/09/18/pastors-more-likely-to-address-domestic-violence-still-lack-training/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="https://rts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/201106-Saul-Steven.pdf" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">https://rts.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/201106-Saul-Steven.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.soc.duke.edu/natcong/Docs/NCSIII_report_final.pdf" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">http://www.soc.duke.edu/natcong/Docs/NCSIII_report_final.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
<!--
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#0563C1;
mso-themecolor:hyperlink;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
color:#954F72;
mso-themecolor:followedhyperlink;
text-decoration:underline;
text-underline:single;}
p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
p.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast
{mso-style-priority:34;
mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-type:export-only;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
span.apple-converted-space
{mso-style-name:apple-converted-space;
mso-style-unhide:no;}
span.text
{mso-style-name:text;
mso-style-unhide:no;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:498891968;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:1203917866 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l0:level2
{mso-level-number-format:alpha-lower;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l0:level3
{mso-level-number-format:roman-lower;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:right;
text-indent:-9.0pt;}
@list l0:level4
{mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l0:level5
{mso-level-number-format:alpha-lower;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l0:level6
{mso-level-number-format:roman-lower;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:right;
text-indent:-9.0pt;}
@list l0:level7
{mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l0:level8
{mso-level-number-format:alpha-lower;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l0:level9
{mso-level-number-format:roman-lower;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:right;
text-indent:-9.0pt;}
</style>
--><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;">
<a href="https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/divorce-rate-in-the-church-as-high-as-the-world/">https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/divorce-rate-in-the-church-as-high-as-the-world/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06936912689314538881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430083067027063642.post-50364056674604719792019-09-14T02:49:00.000-04:002019-09-14T02:49:45.293-04:00Each child is vastly different<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
My boys were little and playing in the living room. They were small enough to climb up and jump off the arm of the couch. One grabbed a cape and leapt "I'm Batman" he cried. Another jumped and said "I'm little red riding hood." We still laugh about that to this day, and in his defense it was a red cape, but this story illustrates just how different two kids can be! I began realizing just how different they each were as we began homeschooling!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Qv8M0PQzzSHljJUD3cBp2kIuzHawgDxPisJM2mpNF9Y6Ozu1bjZ6lDjvu2G3w45DEnKwXfZ4yUsbOy0hwcVM0ig3NwDO_Jdi3koHQyKXlaAfSHRj4mCLfeD_Psl4RI7WCdFgUDrvlN_0/s1600/child.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Qv8M0PQzzSHljJUD3cBp2kIuzHawgDxPisJM2mpNF9Y6Ozu1bjZ6lDjvu2G3w45DEnKwXfZ4yUsbOy0hwcVM0ig3NwDO_Jdi3koHQyKXlaAfSHRj4mCLfeD_Psl4RI7WCdFgUDrvlN_0/s320/child.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
My youngest had a speech delay and dysgraphia. He literally could not do the work necessary to learn to read. For this child we had to find some outside help in the form of speech therapies, glasses, tutoring and testing. He would become very frustrated with himself if he couldn't complete things as quickly as his older brothers. This would lead to melt downs and crying because he literally could not do what we were asking of him. As a young homeschooling mom, I ended up sending him back to the public school for a year because they offered lots of "free" therapy for him and I felt completely ill equipped to teach him. After a year, he still could not read and his speech had not improved. I brought him back home and accompanied him to a local speech therapist and tutor. By attending his sessions with him, I learned how to help him correct his speech and how to better tutor him myself. This one on one time with mom and professional helpers greatly aided him and he eventually grew out of his speech and reading/writing issues. The methodology was different, but the foundation was the same. We focused on math, reading and writing while doing fun things at our local co-op to support casual science and history learning. <br />
<br />
My middle son loved school work. I could hand him a workbook and he would finish the assignment and then work ahead until he lost interest. We focused on the big three - math, reading and writing, but by February of the school year he had completed an entire years worth of curriculum. I frantically called my homeschooling friend and asked what to do. She suggested the library and allowing him to focus on "delight directed learning." Delight directed learning is allowing the student to choose the topics they will learn about. So off to the library we went and found ourselves in the children's non-fiction section. He carefully selected some books after expressing his absolute delight that I would teach him about anything he wanted. First we studied Native Americans... we checked out 30 -40 books and over the next month he devoured them learning all kinds of interesting things. I even found him playing with his new imaginary best friend, Squanto. The next month we learned all about sea life, crustaceans to dolphins, the Mariana Trench to the coral reef. Then we learned all about Shakespeare and he even participated in a local community theater children's production.<br />
<br />
My oldest son... I love him. He is grown now and turned out OK, but goodness sakes there were days I thought I was going to lose my mind! He didn't do his school work, not because he wasn't able, not because he needed a love of learning, but because he was a very strong willed child who did not want to, period. We tried diet changes, counseling, tutors, unit studies, delight directed learning, therapy, trainings for me, co-ops - you name it... nothing worked. Public school didn't work either - he was just as disobedient and unruly there. <br /><br />You know what worked? Good old fashioned, hard core, consistent structure and discipline. Each day we had a schedule and we stuck to it -up at 7am, school by 8am, lunch at noon and afternoons outside playing, not on a screen, or inside playing with toys if the weather was bad. The weeks work was written on a whiteboard that he could see and read. We only did Math and Reading at this age - all science and history was field trips and fun stuff at a co-op. The morning was divided into 30 minute sections, for each 30 minutes that he worked and didn't throw a fit he got 5 minutes of screen time. (so the most you could earn was 40 minutes a day) We, mom and dad together, sat down and explained the rules. <br /><br />It took about 6 months to get him into this routine, but I had to be on it every single day. Always have things written on the board, always keeping the minutes tracked, always keeping us on schedule, and keeping my cool even when he was melting down. If he did melt down he went to his room to regain control, this usually took 10 - 20 minutes so he lost the opportunity for those 5 minutes of screen time. There were days he earned no screen time, but most days he earned most of it, and some days he earned all of it. After 6 months it was only occasionally that he wouldn't earn all of his screen time - maybe once every few weeks. Then after another year - he almost always earned it all. This was the only thing that worked for him.<br />
<br />
The point is - there is no one right way to homeschool children, they each need something a little bit different and as a homeschooling parent you have the ability to custom fit your student's education to exactly what is best for them. Even within the same family, what works well for one child may not work well for the others. Flexibility, grace (including with yourself) and persistence were a few of the keys that unlocked a love of learning in my children. Don't be afraid to ask for help, change up your schedule, or even look for parenting classes and trainings to help you on this journey. They surely helped me to educate three very different boys.<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
Amanda<br />
<br />
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06936912689314538881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430083067027063642.post-84705769430964115632019-06-11T16:36:00.003-04:002019-06-11T23:36:04.664-04:00What do you use for....Every year mom's ask, "What did you use for...?" And there are lots of different answers and choices.<br />
<br />
SO - here is my, year by year, what I used for Science for my kids... but before I share that - a few caveats.<br />
<br />
#1 - My kids are not genius kids who are super motivated to always do school work and always do everything we ask them to do. Any curriculum requires the parent to oversee the completion - there is no "right" or "perfect" curriculum. Ultimately, parents and their students have to take the initiative to, you know, do the work. There are definitely ways to make your job easier - like having a schedule, setting expectations together, making sure you - mom or dad - have the time to sit beside your student if that is what is needed, but like any BIG job it really requires showing up, day after day, and just doing the next thing.<br />
<br />
#2 While I LOVE fun and engaging curriculum, the "fun level" of a curriculum did not solely determine whether or not we used that in our home. (see #1)<br />
<br />
#3 This curriculum may work wonderfully for you, or it may NOT. If it doesn't, that is OK! Find what works for you =)<br />
<br />
#4 Not every kid can do high school level classes in middle school, and you may not finish every book, every year. That is OK. This schedule gives 2 years of cushion, if you find your student needs to work at a slower pace, WORK SLOWER. If you get to high school and discover that Chemistry and Physics (and their math requirements) are beyond what you need to teach - substitute an Environmental Science class (which one son took through our community college) or a deeper study of Healthy Living, Human Anatomy, even Astronomy can be a high school course. <br />
<br />
This is what we did and my kids LOVED it. We supplemented, we went on field trips, we did special projects, we blew things up, we did co-op classes and amazingly - they all had a TON of fun and LOVED their science classes. Hope this blesses your family!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDjhCjnBKbWjhPvkR-hXEh1tI5vPyMeLiVisw9ZlR-KCi9PNx3IA1IuNtqs_Fxaa2MY7cdMAxIUaUPeVkGLrhviez01pM84LyJyXWFtZVbSJ8XX4AHGJulq3wm5Zj_40QxwMD3-N5tiMe/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-06-11+at+4.19.23+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDjhCjnBKbWjhPvkR-hXEh1tI5vPyMeLiVisw9ZlR-KCi9PNx3IA1IuNtqs_Fxaa2MY7cdMAxIUaUPeVkGLrhviez01pM84LyJyXWFtZVbSJ8XX4AHGJulq3wm5Zj_40QxwMD3-N5tiMe/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-06-11+at+4.19.23+PM.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
K-2nd: Apologia Flying Creatures, Swimming Creatures, and Land Animals - because all of my kids loved studying animals at this age. Learning about habitats, doing a special project about a favorite animal and visiting the zoo - all were favorites of my littles</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3rd- 5th - Apologia Astronomy (although I have pictured an updated edition) The Human Body and Exploring creation with Chemistry and Physics. Astronomy was exciting and fun - we visited the planetarium and completed many of the fun experiments in this book. Next we did Chemistry and Physics - which also involved a good deal of fun experimentation and understanding the world around us. In 5th grade we used Apologia Human Anatomy ad Physiology and combined this with ABeka's 5th grade Enjoying Good Health.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
6th and 7th grade, these can be taken in either order, as long as the student is taking PreAlgebra with Physical Science, or before Physical Science. Physical Science can count as a high school science - even when taken in the 7th grade. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Biology has no math requirement and is commonly taken in the 8th grade as a high school science. This course should include a lab element and while those dissections can be gross and stinky - we LOVED doing these with our co-op and found that not only did this keep our home clean and odor free - it also encouraged the kids that they could experience this with their peers. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Chemistry is a high school level course and a student must be taking Algebra 1 concurrently or have completed Algebra 1 prior to this course. I have pictured the 2nd edition of the book rather than the 3rd because this is what we used and because the 3rd has had several negative reviews. Chemistry was also a lab class and was best done (for us) in a group setting. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Physics is a high school course and a student must be taking Algebra 2 concurrently or have completed Algebra 2 prior to taking this class. We enjoyed this class in a group setting with all the labs and the kids had a blast!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We choose to start harder sciences at an earlier age so that our kids could have two years of post secondary classes while still in high school. These college level classes seemed intimidating at first but we found that these classes were not as difficult as we thought. Many college level classes were entirely manageable and completed online where our students could see assignments, ask for help, and even get online tutoring, all in one place. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hope this helps with the "What do you use for...." question =)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Blessings, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Amanda</div>
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06936912689314538881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430083067027063642.post-13593069097411791342019-05-29T14:36:00.002-04:002019-06-20T23:45:16.700-04:00Be an encourager!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbAfAuZDq3PQhzwX8aUFT8FT9nHTSIIlVGSKwP0OcxN6sNpHMRVMAuk9xwrtlTKIpkDL09Tm4yuflRJw3rBT1PFGlCHlezrFQg9HWRjtcAFfs7eVWq6B1lwtPnEc9MlZmqxl6394fi5Wl/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-05-29+at+1.23.10+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="799" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbAfAuZDq3PQhzwX8aUFT8FT9nHTSIIlVGSKwP0OcxN6sNpHMRVMAuk9xwrtlTKIpkDL09Tm4yuflRJw3rBT1PFGlCHlezrFQg9HWRjtcAFfs7eVWq6B1lwtPnEc9MlZmqxl6394fi5Wl/s640/Screen+Shot+2019-05-29+at+1.23.10+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
In 2004 the movie "Mean Girls" hit theaters and from it was born 100's of memes and pop culture references. This movie resonated with many young women because they were experiencing this phenomena in their high schools and colleges.<br />
<br />
For those who didn't see the movie, the basic story follows a new girl moves into town who had been homeschooled because her parents worked in Africa. Back in the states, she enrolls, for the first time, in a public high school and discovers that it resembles the wild animal kingdom of Africa. Attractive and interesting, she gains the attention of the high school bully, Regina George. Regina is outwardly perfect, popular, and surrounds herself with the pretty girls who are mean, petty, spiteful and generally make everyone around them miserable. Regina first recruits the new girl into her clique, but later rejects her. Neither girl is genuinely nice but over time the new girl learns how to be a kinder person.<br />
<br />
They say art imitates culture, or is it that culture imitates art? Fast forward to 2019 and the girls who were in high school or college when "Mean Girls" came out in theaters, are the thirty something young moms of today. It's scary, but walk into almost any mom group and you can easily start to identify cliques, much like in the movie....<br />
<br />
The crunchy moms - They only always eat all organic, they love essential oils, their kids don't know what a pop tart is<br />
<br />
The sports mom - everything is all about (insert sport here), she has a great tan from sitting in the bleachers, cooler in the mini-van full of healthy snacks and Gatorade<br />
<br />
There's the working moms, and the work from home moms, and the super involved mom, the super spiritual mom, the moms of kids with special needs, the stay at home mom...<br />
<br />
Finally, just like in the movie, there are the "cool" moms. These mom's aren't like regular moms. These are often the mean moms.<br />
<br />
Mean moms have some key character traits (again resembling the movie).<br />
<br />
Mean moms pretend their lives are perfect. When my kids were little, bringing snacks for the soccer team was probably a rice crispy treat and a juice box (and that would have been a little bit extra!) With the popularity of Pinterest, my kid can't eat a snack unless it looks like an animal, or have a party unless there are 47 different station games. Each mom trying to out do the last with the cute snack or the best treat. One mom literally paid a professional cake decorator to make the treats for a school party!<br />
<br />
Pretending to be perfect is just that - pretend. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 10 how people only look so good when they are comparing themselves with other people, not with God's standards. None of us are perfect, we know that, and a good thing- because God doesn't use the perfect, and He won't allow false/vain glory, only Glory that is in Him.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (NASB)<br />"26 For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; 27 but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, 28 and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, 29 so that no man may boast before God. 30 But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, 31 so that, just as it is written, “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.”</blockquote>
Mean moms are pushy and generally think their ideas are the only good ones. A mom was sharing in an online group about something as simple as when to start babies on solid foods. A commentator said "you're going to kill your kids" This is extreme, and who does this? Who goes online with the express purpose of making other people feel bad? Another time I was attending a meet up for homeschooling moms and a mom was sharing about her desire to homeschool without using a set curricula, but by gathering free resources from online and at the library. Another mom spoke up commenting that her kids would be uneducated and unable to get a job when they were older. Mom shaming is real and rampant! <br />
<br />
Mean moms talk behind other mom's backs. At a gathering a few years ago I overheard a group of mom's bashing a mom whose son had acted up and who had just left in tears. Rather than reassuring her that all boys that age act up sometimes, or walking her to her car to give her a hug (which I did) or even commiserating the difficulties in raising kids, they waited until she left to spout off about how great their kids were and how bad hers was. Yep - meeting of the mean moms. Voiced as a concern, one mean mom, pointed out that another mom hadn't looked well lately and her kids "looked like they needed new clothes and a bath" she followed that statement with a mean chuckle... Other moms agreed that she looked pretty worn out and someone commented that her twins were probably giving her grief again. Even couched in sympathy, these mean mom's motives are clear - belittle and exclude.<br />
<br />
Judging a mom, or criticizing her for her parenting choices, is flat out wrong. Waiting until a mom leaves to talk about what a bad mom she is, or expressing "concern" over her children, is insincere, dishonoring, and hurtful.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Romans 12: 9-18 (ESV)<br /> Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.</blockquote>
Mean moms try to build a group of followers, known to psychologists as "Flying Monkeys". A friend of mine once asked a question on a group thread in a mommy group online. The first mom responded politely, then the mean moms joined in, one rudely disagreeing, another mocking her, and finally some commenting saying "what she said". Another time a mom went around to multiple others telling them to drop out of our mom group to avoid another mom she had a problem with.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<h4>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">"...It's bullying 101: Belittling someone else's choice makes you feel better about your own. Art Markman, Ph.D., professor of psychology at the University of Texas and author of Brain Briefs, points to the scientific and historical evidence that people within a social group—like women with kids around the same age—gain stature by tearing down others around them. "It's easy to maintain a sense of group cohesion by creating a distinction between an in-group and an out-group," he explains. By being mean to outsiders, the clique is strengthened and the mean moms' status in the group rises. Yes, it's all very junior high—and no, it's not uncommon in adulthood. "It is actually a deep part of human social interactions," says Markman. The way he puts it, bullies are narcissists, and narcissists prop up their self-esteem through the energy of other people. "You see this in-group and out-group behavior in business, with fans of sports teams, and with cliques of moms."</span></blockquote>
</h4>
Mean moms lie.</blockquote>
Something really remarkable which happens in the movie is when the mean girl, Regina, can't get her way, when she has been out-smarted and is undone, she lies. She takes her "burn book" and attributes it to the new girl. She does this to generate sympathy for herself, to destroy the reputation of the new girl who has become more popular, and to destroy her community- if she can't be the "Queen bee" no one can. (the new girl had also become quite mean)<br />
If a mean mom can't recruit other moms to follow her by her over the top Pintrest crafts, virtuous opinions, shaming, bullying, and coalition building - she will lie and try to destroy the reputation of any mom's who oppose her. I can not tell you the number of outright falsehoods I have heard repeated back to me by a mom who was the acting "flying monkey" of a mean mom. I once sat in a meeting where someone was indignant that the gossip they had heard, believed, and repeated - was proven to be completely untrue. They were shocked. They had been lied to by a mean mom (really a group of mean moms) and they had bought into the lies.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
2 Timothy 3:1-13<br />But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. 9 But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.</blockquote>
This isn't how Moms, or anyone for that matter, should treat each other. Our culture approaches this issue from a point of morality. It is good to be nice and kind to one another, so we should all do that. Scripture goes a bit farther in casting down some of these things, but scripture also gives us a TON of ways to be a mom the loves Jesus and loves others. <br />
<br />
1. Serve others without the desire to make them look less than in the process and only Jesus is the savior, not any other person.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
John 13:12-17<br />12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
2. Speak kindly to others - even over the internet</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Proverbs 16: 24<br />Kind words are like honey—<br />sweet to the soul and healthy for the body</blockquote>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">.</span></blockquote>
3. Realize that Gossip is something most women struggle with, understand it's damaging effects and train yourself to avoid it. Here is an article about gossip that is completely spot on,<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
https://newspring.cc/articles/what-does-the-bible-say-about-gossip</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4. Realize this isn't about you. Healthy, happy, Godly people don't act like this - or if they do, they realize it and sincerely try to right their wrongs. </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Ephesians 6:10-2010 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: left;">
5. Don't fall into the trap of unreasonably judging others who belong to Christ. There is a time and a place for good judgement. That isn't when a mom is asking about breastfeeding options, or choosing a homeschool curriculum. The Apostle Paul wrote Romans 14 - which cautions at least twice not to judge others, but also wrote 1 Corinthians 4 which recommends expulsion of a "believer" partaking in incest. Clearly we are to judge, but that judgement isn't over minor trivial things. It should be reserved and used to protect moms and their kids, not humiliate them</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Make the choice not to be a mean mom, not to enable mean moms. Mom's need to hear that they are doing a good job and their efforts are noticed and appreciated! Be a mom that uplifts, encourages, and cheers on the other moms. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06936912689314538881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430083067027063642.post-7621547207888359092019-04-06T14:06:00.001-04:002019-04-06T14:58:18.084-04:00Mercy for the Special CasesBefore I was a homeschooling mom, I was a counselor. One thing I learned through this is that everyone is a special case.... I have sat across from liars who lied for a special reason, and drunks who drank for a special reason and they all said to me that they were the exception to the rule. The abuser who abused, the cheater who cheated, the liar who lied, the thief who stole, the gossip who back stabbed - all had a special reason why the rules should not apply to them.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
NEWS FLASH - the rules still apply. <br />
<br />
As a counselor I had a choice, I could allow myself to be sucked into their world by either commiserating with them; agree that they indeed were the special case, or confronting the absurd belief that had left them broken, humiliated, lonely, lost and generally in a heap of trouble - I could chose to have mercy, provide them with the tools that they needed to succeed. Many of my clients over the years were in severe legal trouble, many had been or were shortly headed to prison. They did not chose to seek counseling, most were one court order away from walking out the door and never looking back. If I treated them with indifference, they would never change; confront them with the truth and help them move beyond that and they thank me even to this day. My choice made all the difference.<br />
<br />
There is a thin line between confrontation which seeks justice, payment, and retribution and one that confronts in the hopes of them finding reconciliation and restoration. <br />
<br />
Is it possible to desire justice and also desire reconciliation? <br />
<br />
It is, but only when you recognize your job as a counselor. When you read the job description for counselor you will find that no where in that description is the word <i>punish</i> or <i>judge.</i> It was the judge in their case who determined their sentence. My job was reconciliation. Just trust the judge and leave the punishment to the one in charge of punishment. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYDBUE8dvygfkFTOIrhZNomapOFI-PS7_IegBYs0e9uGmpee5-KBnwW7NherlHT9apQjMz6SbqHbZv2C0EzwzAXBfACguwCTOpan209IMhXNkUkkD-KTEOALHudJftvzRnbHGeksZXFho/s1600/gavel_istock_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYDBUE8dvygfkFTOIrhZNomapOFI-PS7_IegBYs0e9uGmpee5-KBnwW7NherlHT9apQjMz6SbqHbZv2C0EzwzAXBfACguwCTOpan209IMhXNkUkkD-KTEOALHudJftvzRnbHGeksZXFho/s1600/gavel_istock_0.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As a counselor, I learned to trust the judge. The judge did not call me and ask me what I thought of how he discharged his duties. In fact, most of the time I was not ever consulted, simply a report submitted. <br />
My report was spread out on a conference table somewhere next to dozens of other reports. There was a report from the jailer, the arresting officer, the accuser; there were reports and testimonials from the friends and families of the accused, reports from professionals doctors, hospitals. All of these reports had bearing on the sentence of the convicted, and my report was there among them. </div>
<div>
<br />
Broken people sat in my office and begged me to write favorable reports; pretense was laid aside and hearts were poured out. 'PLEASE HAVE MERCY!' was uttered in a thousand different ways. I have the ability to have mercy, I do not have the ability to judge fairly, and I had to tell them, 'I am not the judge.' Shoulders slumped, faces wilted, hearts fell, it seemed there was no hope, no mercy to be had. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There is another conference room....<br />
<br />
Reports numbering in the millions lay spread across the conference table of Heaven. God leaned in over them. He, knowing every word, every testimony, every crime, knew that The Law demanded justice. The verdict was clear and it didn't look pretty. But then God did something amazing. He turned to Jesus, who had also seen every report, and asked him to satisfy the Law, serve the sentence, pay the price. The price was death, but Jesus agreed!<br />
<br />
Where do the roads of justice and reconciliation meet? At the intersection of Love, on a cross. <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.</i> </blockquote>
</div>
<div>
Amazing how in that one verse both justice and reconciliation are satisfied through Christ's love. <br />
<br />
Rejoice! Heaven's Angels sing! There was a party in Heaven the day I accept Christ's work. They opened up the conference room, cleared off the table, broke out the bubbly, cut the cake and threw confetti! <b>Praise JESUS! He did it again! </b></div>
<div>
<br />
Now here comes the hard part, we can all appreciate mercy which applies to our own lives. But can we apply mercy when it come to the lives of others? </div>
<div>
<br />
There is another conference room table in the halls of every heart, and it is stacked high with reports. <br />
'You were unfaithful', 'you cheated me', 'you stole from me', 'you lied to me', 'you stabbed me in the back'. Every reader has a choice. Clear the table and have a party, or re-read every word. Pour out mercy applied or dwell on every accusation. Chose love or allow bitterness and anger to produce a ruling. <br />
<br />
The Author of Mercy, is pretty clear on this one. </div>
<div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Romans 15:7-8 7 Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. 8 Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors.</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Colossians 3:12-14 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Romans 12:9-18 9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! 17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Philippians 2: 1-4 1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
All Sunday school children know John 3:16, maybe we would do well to make sure they also learned <i>1John 3:16 16 We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.</i></blockquote>
<br />
This isn't a new concept for us - we know this. We know we should forgive. But so many times we would rather play the judge, we would rather sit down and pout, spew out bitter words, hold hatred in our hearts, refuse to even speak to the person who has offended us. What if Christ treated us in this way? What would the courtroom look like then?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The most common excuse for being a special case? <i>"You don't understand, you don't know what they did..." </i><u>Here's the thing - God knows. </u> You are not the judge, you are supposed to help the Counselor. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>1 Corinthians 13:4-7 4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Romans 5:8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>John 15:16a "You didn’t choose me. I chose you" </i></blockquote>
<br />
The next time someone hurts you, offends you, or betrays you, and you find yourself at the cross roads of justice and reconciliation; hear the truth that you are not a special case, but you are dearly loved and chosen by God Himself....<br />
<br />
.....and then remember that your choice makes all the difference. </div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06936912689314538881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430083067027063642.post-79494400333706063712019-01-21T16:26:00.002-05:002019-01-21T16:29:17.474-05:00Love<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="cjvuc" data-offset-key="7lctp-0-0" style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7lctp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
I had a conversation the other day with one of my sons about love. It is so very important that we talk to our children about love - especially in a culture that teaches the opposite of love. We went through the following verses together...<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 Corinthians 13:4-7 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;[b] 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.</span><br />
It helped us to go through this scripture thinking about what the opposite of love might be. Love is kind... the opposite of kind is unkind, the opposite of love is hate - so hate is unkind...<br />
So to put this in other words - Hate is pushy and easily frustrated, Hate us unkindness, Hate is envious and braggadocios, Hate is arrogant and rude, Hate insists on it's own way, Hate is irritable and resentful, Hate rejoices in wrongdoing, Hate rejoices in lies. Hate will not bear with you, Hate will not believe in you, Hate has no hope for the future, Hate will not endure a trial. </div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="cjvuc" data-offset-key="crh8b-0-0" style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text 1Cor-13-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">1 Corinthians 13 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-2" id="en-ESV-28651" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>And if I have <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28651A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28651A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28651B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28651B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-3" id="en-ESV-28652" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28652C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28652C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>If I give away all I have, and <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28652D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28652D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>if I deliver up my body to be burned,<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-ESV-28652a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-ESV-28652a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+13&version=ESV#fen-ESV-28652a" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span> but have not love, I gain nothing.</span><span class="text 1Cor-13-4" id="en-ESV-28653" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28653E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28653E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>Love is patient and <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28653F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28653F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>kind; love <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28653G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28653G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>does not envy or boast; it <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28653H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28653H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>is not arrogant</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-5" id="en-ESV-28654" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>or rude. It <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28654I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28654I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>does not insist on its own way; it <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28654J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28654J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>is not irritable or resentful;<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-ESV-28654b" data-link="[<a href="#fen-ESV-28654b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+13&version=ESV#fen-ESV-28654b" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</span></span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-6" id="en-ESV-28655" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>it <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28655K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28655K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28655L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28655L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>rejoices with the truth.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-ESV-28656" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28656M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28656M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28656N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28656N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>endures all things.</span><span class="text 1Cor-13-8" id="en-ESV-28657" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-9" id="en-ESV-28658" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>For <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28658O" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28658O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>we know in part and we prophesy in part,</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-10" id="en-ESV-28659" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>but <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28659P" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28659P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-11" id="en-ESV-28660" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-12" id="en-ESV-28661" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span>For <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28661Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28661Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>now we see in a mirror dimly, but <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28661R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28661R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28661S" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28661S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>I have been fully known.</span><span class="text 1Cor-13-13" id="en-ESV-28662" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.</span></blockquote>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="cjvuc" data-offset-key="83er4-0-0" style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXjCHbVVhVIkC0ZbjZyuWZEDkVU5pQ0fkXWnpQ7mYDEocbA2Cw_wnSOTZ0qKUlbV94MFb2z2qrK1vP-1WOyYue0nx-afwvneNTwK1T-g-ocBZ_fM8bKRHqndueiNBBetJQWSziyhFMNt7/s1600/mlk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXjCHbVVhVIkC0ZbjZyuWZEDkVU5pQ0fkXWnpQ7mYDEocbA2Cw_wnSOTZ0qKUlbV94MFb2z2qrK1vP-1WOyYue0nx-afwvneNTwK1T-g-ocBZ_fM8bKRHqndueiNBBetJQWSziyhFMNt7/s320/mlk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="83er4-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; text-align: center;">
<span data-offset-key="83er4-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="83er4-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="83er4-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="83er4-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="83er4-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">"But when we rise to agape, to Christian love, it is higher than all of this. It becomes the love of God operating in the human heart. The greatness of it is that you love every man, not for your sake but for his sake. And you love every man because God loves him. And so it becomes all inclusive. The person may be ugly, or the person may be beautiful. The person may be tall, or the person may be short. The person may be light, or the person may be dark. The person may be rich, or the person may be poor. The person may be up and in; the person may be down and out. The person may be white; the person may be black. The person may be Jew; the person may be Gentile. The person may be Catholic; the person may be Protestant. In other words, you come to the point of loving every man and becomes an all-inclusive love. It is the love of God operating in the human heart. And it comes to the point that you even love the enemy. Christian love does something that no other love can do. It says that you love every man. You hate the deed that he does if he's your enemy and he's evil, but you love the person who does the evil deed." MLK Jr. 1962</span></div>
</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06936912689314538881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430083067027063642.post-80137147807039965962019-01-10T23:19:00.001-05:002019-08-23T18:14:02.618-04:00Need-to-know info about Co-ops!I recently read a blog about being in a co-op and what that can look like. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.excellenceinlearning.org/" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BipagnnoSP81nj9Y4s6T8SHF3eU9O8Gw0-7SeqPPD1bNJYmhne54iUBFonWNgAHGPGwRUd8g6ohDrFgOqdjyVONea9AmIsueq5MPJiBZtYBh86hM41bd4tutLmp0fIS6_grbiIznLi7T/s400/elcc+trip.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A friend of mine shared that blog and the comments section blew up! Whew! Who knew there were so many strong opinions and misconceptions about co-ops. Some of these were comments that I have heard over the years but others were fairly new - so I would like to address some of those and talk about how a co-op community <i>might </i>work for your family in a healthy way. <br />
<br />
Top 10 Things to know about Co-ops!<br />
<br />
#1 - Not all co-ops are alike. As many different styles of teaching exist there are also that many types of co-ops. Some co-ops want everyone to teach something, some don't have that requirement. Some are really religious, some exclude certain types of schooling at home, some are held outside (even in winter) some are only for field trips, some are only for high school - there really are 1000 different kinds of co-ops and the point is - Don't give up on ALL co-ops because you went to one and it didn't work. Try another one, find your tribe.<br />
<br />
#2 - Identify differences in Leadership early on. There are also many ways to lead a homeschool group or co-op, each will have a different feel. It's important to figure out where you fit in all this! Here are a few I have encountered and a little bit about each:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>group of moms deciding together - usually smaller, meets in homes, can be intimate, watch out for cliquishness</li>
<li>umbrella group - usually online, offers occasional field trips and events, can be great source of information, can be very large, can have little structure, usually led by just a few people</li>
<li>business group - meets in person, usually limited in size, offers specific things, led by one or two people, can be pricey, may not readily identify as a business to interested parents</li>
<li>activity group - group focuses around an activity like a sports team, some are for profit and some are not, smaller focus and duration of commitment</li>
<li>affiliate group- a group that is affiliated with a church or community group, usually run by an appointee of the affiliate, offers what benefits the affiliate, can be good if your goals/beliefs align, homeschooling may not always be a first priority</li>
<li>non-profit group -run by a board of people in elected positions, has a published vision, mission and history, more structure, can be larger sized (be sure to look up groups claiming to be "non-profit" using the IRS Charity look up tool https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/) </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
#3 - Identify differences in curriculum/style - First you have to know your own teaching and learning styles - but once you do you can easily determine if a group will be a good fit. Are they rigid in their courses offering core subjects, or more go with the flow? Do they offer a variety of fun or "fluff" topics designed to help with making friends and getting support? Are classes inclusive of different learning styles or more structured by design? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
#4 - Teachers - Believe it or not, not all co-ops require parents to teach to participate! Some co-ops require that each parent teach a class to be present, others seek out parents to teach and allow other parents to help, still others hire outside teachers to offer classes. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
#5 -Parents - Do you share similar values and goals as the parents that are in your co-op? It isn't necessary that everyone always agree about everything - but it is very helpful to have a group of people to share life with. Are parents interested in making friends or are they all business and see this as just a short term commitment? Are the people friendly and welcoming? Is there a steep learning curve? These are things that can cause stress and make participation less enjoyable. Carefully consider if you share goals and values with other parents. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
#6 - Kids - Are the other kids at the co-op encouraging and friendly? Are they positive influences? If there are children who are older than your kids - are they good role models? Determining the culture of the kids at a co-op can be one of the most important things about co-op. These children WILL influence your children, sometimes for years to come. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
#7 - Visit first - It's a great idea to ask leaders if you can visit co-op BEFORE you sign up, purchase supplies or curriculum, commit to help out, or pay any fees. A full day visit will help you identify leadership styles, teachers, parents, kids and curriculum, Visit for as long as they will allow it!! This visit will give you time to make informed decisions and feel comfortable about your choices. I caution parents to watch out for sales pitches and instant best friends. If it feels high pressure, sign on the line, pay today or you're my new best friend and you HAVE to do this because my kids are doing it too - I would advise you to RUN away. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
#8 - It isn't about your personality (Introvert vs. Extrovert) Some people like to be home bodies, some like to always be on the go - find the right group for support and you will fit right in. Introverts and Extroverts feel uncomfortable when they are trying to fit themselves into the wrong type of group. Sometimes it is counter- intuitive. I had a mom who identifies as an introvert tell me she LOVES our large co-op because she has space to hide herself away if she is over stimulated and there are enough people to help with her kids. I've also known extroverts to thrive in smaller groups!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
#9 - Co-ops should support your homeschooling goals without taking over your homeschool. One thing I think some people quickly dismiss is that not everyone feels comfortable (or really wants to put the extra effort into) every subject. If my kids can do a fun science experiments class and make a mess somewhere OTHER THAN MY HOUSE!! that is great for us - and it alleviates my at home responsibility to make that fun special experience for them. Practically - when our kids were little we did science and history through co-op because it was fun and did math and language arts at home because we wanted to have that good focus and foundation. It helped me as a mom of multiple kids to know that they were having those special and fun experiences somewhere with their friends and that I was not solely responsible for hosting play dates, doing a unit study/crafty/memory folder project for history and creating, organizing, gathering supplies and teaching science experiments. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
#10 - Co-ops can be fun and the highlight of your week - IF you use them correctly. Keep in mind that to truly be homeschooling, YOU - the parent are responsible for the education of your children, but co-ops can be a fantastic way to support your social, educational and family goals without being overwhelming. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06936912689314538881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430083067027063642.post-60995026691871422182018-11-28T02:30:00.005-05:002018-11-28T02:44:25.045-05:00DriversIt was beautiful outside, the sun was shining and we were cruising on the way to football practice. The windows were down because the AC was acting up, but even that didn't bother us. My oldest was in the front seat dozing in the sun and we were bustling along I71 north of Columbus. Out of the corner of my eye I catch a flash of red sports car as it buzzes past us in the right lane. The sporty drop top coupe appears, racing stripes and all, and then quickly disappears. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVl22vjPgDfAU2rTT6wXOnP4P0krvSfhwIyM6UcDTYDKauR2w-2n9vreHKqbzb9xLqm6DPdq9d3SNs0bs0hC2fNXkXEGirZau8Vc1FH6JWBeeL_2Fs7ExqDKnwQ660SplBo2FC7rpz0c_/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-11-28+at+2.28.47+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="656" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVl22vjPgDfAU2rTT6wXOnP4P0krvSfhwIyM6UcDTYDKauR2w-2n9vreHKqbzb9xLqm6DPdq9d3SNs0bs0hC2fNXkXEGirZau8Vc1FH6JWBeeL_2Fs7ExqDKnwQ660SplBo2FC7rpz0c_/s400/Screen+Shot+2018-11-28+at+2.28.47+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As we approach the next exit something has slowed traffic ahead and I see the sporty red car on my left, this time stopped in the traffic. I notice that they have their turn signal on and just a moment before it's too late - they whip in front of my van with the purpose of advancing another 50 feet. I slam on the breaks and dozing teenager sits up and says "HUH??!!" before drifting back to sleep. Luckily, our exit is just ahead on the right so I get over into the exit lane and then realize that somehow, now they are right behind me.... how did that even happen? The exit lane is jammed with cars escaping the freeway and at the end of the ramp there is a right and left hand turn lane. I will be turning right so I make sure I am in the right half of the lane when suddenly in my side mirror I see the little sports coupe's nose beside me on the right, in the gravel, just as I am coming to a stop behind the car in the right turn lane. The coupe skids a few feet and then the man in the front seat begins yelling curses in my window. Screaming in frustration because I am also turning right and he can't just create his own lane and do things his own way. Large, football playing teen wakes up, sits up, has a oddest look on his face and just sticks his head out the window to stare at the rudest man on earth.... who, once he realizes he has a large football player staring at him, promptly shuts up. We finish our turn, and in about 10 minutes we wind up at our destination. My oldest still hasn't said anything but just before he is about to hop out of the car he says "What was wrong with that guy, mom?" and I just shrug. "I don't know kid, maybe he was having a bad day?" and he shakes his head and trots away.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I heard someone speak once about how drivers look....<br />
<br />
There's the envious driver that follows too close. They are looking everywhere but at the road. We might call them the distracted driver. There's the driver of that's "living their own truth" they drive like a drunk, all over the road and if they are lucky they wind up in a ditch. There's the angry driver who speeds, they tear around other drivers throwing gravel, they have about a million hit and run accidents. There's the grieved driver who needs to go slow, they pull over to rest frequently, like driving in a sudden storm, one minute you're fine and the next you're in a downpour, waves of rain so hard you can't see to drive through it.<br />
<br />
There's the new driver whose passionate and purposeful, but they don't have the discernment yet to see some of these other drivers coming. There's the bitter driver who will run people over because they deserve it, and then they back up and do it again. There's the driver that goes about handing out tickets, telling everyone how they should improve their driving. There are the destination drivers, they are just trying to get from point A to point B, they aren't really paying attention to other drivers, road conditions or anything else. And there are even some stranded drivers. There are those with a flat tire or who ran out of gas and doesn't really know how to get where they are going.<br />
<br />
Some of these drivers drive poorly because of their attitude, some because of their life circumstances. Sometimes it's not really a choice to be a bad driver, it's just the only way a person knows to drive.<br />
So how is a driver supposed to keep it between the lines?<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
There are a few ways to determine the lines on the highway of life...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>One way is the culture. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
We are living in a culture at the moment that has defined and re-defined itself bringing us into a post modern, some might say post truth, world. Don't like the speed limit? Change it. Don't like the outcome of what's happening? Claim it never happened. Don't like the facts? Deny them, create your own facts, identify however you will.<br />
<br />
The speed and depth of this change is frightening, but even more frightening is the churches willingness, and sometimes even approval, of a post modern, no absolute truth, no right and wrong, culture. A big part of this is the idea that truth is personal. What is right for me, may not be right for you.... God is however you define him/her/them..... I can "have it my way" with my religion - custom ordered, tailored to what I like. And while this false religiosity attempts to dissasociate "personal truth" from objective, Biblical, even logical truth, some church leaders praise these ideas as inclusive. <br />
<br />
I heard someone say "Live your truth" the other day. In our current culture truth isn't objective or logical - it's all relative to you. It's all personal. The driver becomes the most important thing, the only thing, in their world. Don't like something? Tell people it never happened. Do what ever you want - or in the word's of Alister Crowley "Do what thou wilt"<br />
<br />
Within this growing cultural belief is that people are their own arbitrators of truth, that they can interpret and decide for themselves what is right and wrong. When the church becomes it's own arbiter of truth, when a person becomes their own arbiter of truth, they have moved beyond any accountability. They are not accountable to a body of believers, or anyone... not even to God. Not surprisingly, when people live like this, there is never a need for confession because they are never wrong.<br />
<br />
Apply this same logic to people who are in leadership. Those who lead us are in higher positions, positions of trust. The Bible, the absolute truth, says those people are held to a higher standard, they are more accountable to God for their actions. Anyone can start a Facebook page, or a blog, and attract followers. It's easy to surround ourselves with agreeing voices, but living out accountability is harder. <br />
<br />
One of my favorite quotes is "Leaders who live with accountability rarely need it" but the opposite is true too - leaders who live outside accountability - within their community, with their peers, with their mentors (if they have them) - are often abusive, design their own convenient truths and desperately need an accountability which breaks the hold of moral relativity.<br />
<br />
<b>The other way to drive - is by God's word. </b><br />
<br />
Truth says we are <u>not</u> the arbitrators of our covenant, we don't set the terms, <i>we follow them</i>. We are not the author of what is right or wrong, we are subject to the Author. Truth leads us to see that we are sinners in need of repentance and a Savior. Truth leads us to confession and confession to faith. Without that truth, there is no hope for us. </div>
<div>
<br />
The most simplistic form of this is in Luke 10:28<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>He answered, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"</i></blockquote>
How do we love God?<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"If you love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15</i></blockquote>
Today there is a move to try to redefine what God says. What are His commandments? Only the New Testament? Only the 10 commandments? Modern churches can't agree on this, many avoid the subject of sin altogether because it disrupts their congregants cultural beliefs.<br />
I firmly believe that the only way people will learn God's word is to study it. Study it all the time, sit under good teachers, read it, write it down, share it, post it, blog it, and keep it in the front of your mind. There is no other hope apart from God's word, His absolute truth. And if you're looking for a place to start - start basic - start with the 10 commandments if you must. Don't put anything before God, Don't have idols, Don't take the Lord's name in vain, Don't murder, Don't defraud someone (steal), Don't envy your neighbors wife or stuff, Don't bear false witness (gossip/lie), Honor your father and mother, Keep the sabbath, and Don't commit adultery. That's how you love God, you keep His commandments, and you study to keep learning those commandments. <br />
<br />
How do we love our neighbor?<br />
It's hard to teach this in a post truth world - because before you might give a practical example, but now someone's "truth" might be "Well, if I were (insert accusation), I think I would want someone to (insert hateful thing here) towards me" <br />
<br />
But when you step beyond this relativistic argument we see that Biblical truth says loving your neighbor is well defined in:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"Love is patient, Love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it is not rude or self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love takes no pleasure in evil but rejoices in truth</i><i> it bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, Love never fails...." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8</i></blockquote>
So in the middle of a culture that is torn between relativism(define your own truth) and Biblical truth, what can we do?<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8</i></blockquote>
1. Love God - put Him first even if other people think you're crazy<br />
2. Speak truth - even when it's unpopular<br />
3. Confess sin - own your part<br />
4. Tie yourself to love, which is truth, in order to love your neighbor. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Blessings,<br />
Amanda</div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06936912689314538881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430083067027063642.post-10886279663395098252018-10-22T13:56:00.001-04:002018-10-22T15:36:02.803-04:00Remember <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0dsDIfdjCUwycplcnsUPR7bAb0gIb3yy9OEIlMbNdLi14rHvLrgyjXRQrCLIp5f1r6FZJerI_-ibOLWau1CgGpHL8ugVCS8Azyur9i54HMG4IBDCZ9aWB1kDjcAoc6UzpRpYn9qA7uB9/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-10-22+at+12.49.08+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="975" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0dsDIfdjCUwycplcnsUPR7bAb0gIb3yy9OEIlMbNdLi14rHvLrgyjXRQrCLIp5f1r6FZJerI_-ibOLWau1CgGpHL8ugVCS8Azyur9i54HMG4IBDCZ9aWB1kDjcAoc6UzpRpYn9qA7uB9/s400/Screen+Shot+2018-10-22+at+12.49.08+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My life has a theme... (I think sometimes it has a theme song... and I might be humming it...but I digress)<br />
<br />
My life has a theme - year to year it seems God is showing me things that I didn't understand. And I have a choice, I can reject those things as hard, new, strange, weird - or I can dive into the difficult and figure it out together with Him. I have chosen the later.<br />
<br />
So last year (and it really does tend to run fall to fall!) the theme was "I AM doing new thing" - The I AM being God himself and his message to me that He was doing something new and to HOLD ON because I will miss it, I will barely perceive it. <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Isaiah 43:19-21 Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild beasts will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.</blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
This was very true- one year and our family looks entirely different, one year and our jobs look entirely different, one year and our lives look ENTIRELY different. He wasn't kidding - He was doing a NEW THING. New things can be hard things. I can choose the new thing, but sometimes that means I have to let the old thing break, be shattered into a million pieces so that the new thing can come out of it. New things can sound so good - until you realize that means leaving the old things behind.<br />
<br />
This year my theme has been changed - still in the midst of the new things being born, still in the midst of a LOT of personal change - my theme has become REMEMBER.<br />
<br />
Remember - and there isn't just a single verse, but the entire book of Deuteronomy, and Ruth, and Job. So remembering has a bigger vision - it's like: Remember who I AM, and Remember who you were, and who you are now, Remember what I have brought you through, Remember what I have commanded you to do....<br />
<br />
Remembering is a whole lot like Faith. It is the personal testimony of each of us, it is the Faith-evidence that we each hold, not a wishy washy feeling of "I have faith" but the concrete, the proven, the tried and true, the assurance that remembering God's goodness towards us, God's pursuit of us, God's faithfulness, God's forgiveness and even God's displeasure towards us - helps us to better run the race that is before us. <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Hebrews 11:1-3<br />
<span class="text Heb-11-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.</span> <span class="text Heb-11-2" id="en-NLT-30135" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.</span><span class="text Heb-11-3" id="en-NLT-30136" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.</span></blockquote>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="text Heb-11-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></div>
So I plan to write a series of blogs remembering some of the great things that God has done in my life, and even some of the not so great things that happened, in order to properly remember and there by re-member, reassemble the pieces that can seem broken but are really just part of the new thing. <br />
<br />
A favorite quote of mine is "Sometimes when things are falling apart, they are really falling together for your good." and this is so important and part of that soul amnesia that we all suffer from - that we have to, have to, HAVE TO! keep remembering the goodness, faithfulness, righteousness, and awe-inspiringness of God.<br />
<br />
Sometimes, when you go through a thing you just survive it. You look back and wonder how that happened, life seems like a blur - it is only later that you see the pieces of it - how it fell together, and how the Lord blessed.<br />
<br />
My first remember moment, although there are a few before this - times when I heard the Lord speak and really wanted to follow Him and do right but had no idea how to do that - comes when I was 27 years old.<br />
<br />
Working as a counselor, married, three kids in school - we had purchased a home in Heath and we blessed by every worldly standard there was. Our neighbors were lovely, our house was fantastic, our kids did well in school, we had a great church, a great group of friends, nice cars - life was good - all the way around - life was good. <br />
<br />
And then - I heard God speak to me one day at church - I was under heavy conviction to quit my job.... Quit my JOB!!?? what? That can't be right! I have a great job, they love me here - I worked HARD to get here - they are sooo happy with me and I looove it! NO! I can't quit my job - how foolish, I must have misheard that one...<br />
<br />
And then another week - "Quit your job!" So I talked to Drason about it - no way we could make it if I quit my job, that is foolishness for sure - nope! I can't quit my job!<br />
<br />
And then again - "Quit your job" and again - week after week for about 6 months, I could not escape the fact that I was constantly bombarded with the conviction that I needed to quit my job and I consistently said "no way!"<br />
<br />
It was fall, there was a special speaker at our church that day and the fire alarms started to go off. Drason got up to go help turn them off (of course he was the one with the knowledge of how to do that) and comes back to sit down... about 20 minutes later they go off again - again, Drason gets up and handles it.... and about 15 more minutes they go off again.... I still to this day can not tell you what that message was about, but it was the one I needed to hear that day. It is time for the invitation, Drason takes his seat beside me, and I hear the Lord speak to me again, but this time it is different, this time it is like a huge download of information in just a few words - "This is the last time" This is the last time I'm going to ask you to follow me, to quit your job. Either you decide today that you will follow me, or not. I won't ask again....<br />
<br />
I was crying, Drason who had literally just sat down takes my arm and helps me to the alter, I just sob and in that moment I give God my "Yes" forever, whatever He wants, for as long as I live, it is His - even quitting my job.<br />
<br />
Every day before this day, I had doubts about my salvation - and every day since I never have. My life changed drastically that Fall day, I turned in my 2 weeks notice the next day and they offered me a raise and a better schedule (which I still refused). <br />
<br />
It occurred to me for the first time the other day that God pursued me. It was a shocking revelation for me. Wonderful and too good to be true - but completely true. For 6 months God - creator of the universe - pursued me. That is scandalous love, love that is beyond my reasoning. <br />
<br />
Remembering makes us whole human beings. I needed to know, to remember, that I was pursued by the creator of the universe.<br />
<br />
Thank you Heavenly Father!<br />
Amanda<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06936912689314538881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430083067027063642.post-3975525892254278882018-09-09T22:59:00.002-04:002018-09-09T23:02:27.371-04:00Ripples<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJq3Utgrv7GWvHiVLv0bQ6DCGcBG-YwLl9WKgq74mokVHp24GlILe3hLnSoiNhyQ-cLOqKd3MJFTpZYMQ6LK3oExp7d6gnyNJ3u9yEL7-4bU6BmgPscjREPKVxsb72gV45d0TocFyPCVbh/s1600/lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJq3Utgrv7GWvHiVLv0bQ6DCGcBG-YwLl9WKgq74mokVHp24GlILe3hLnSoiNhyQ-cLOqKd3MJFTpZYMQ6LK3oExp7d6gnyNJ3u9yEL7-4bU6BmgPscjREPKVxsb72gV45d0TocFyPCVbh/s640/lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Ten years ago I joined a homeschool co-op. I had just come off a year of being a homeschooling failure (you can read about it <a href="http://sillinfam.blogspot.com/2013/05/chapter-7-homeschooling-alone.html" target="_blank">here</a>) and was excited to join a group of like minded ladies. So I enrolled my kids in some classes, I taught a couple of science classes and things were going well.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One day when we arrived at co-op, late as usual, a lady from the group met me in the parking lot. "Your son has really been acting up in Lauren's Spanish class, you really need to have a talk with him!" </div>
<div>
This was news to me so after sending my other two to class I pulled the third one aside, gave him the mom eyebrows and told him he better settle down in Lauren's class. He had a lisp at the time so with his sad little lisp he said "Sowweey Mom" and went to class. Whew - crisis averted. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A few hours later someone else came up to me "Excuse me, Amanda? I really think you should know that your son is being very disruptive in Lauren's class!" </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was a little surprised to hear this from a second person, especially considering he had not even been to the class yet today. I managed to stammer out that I had spoken to him and didn't think it would be a problem any more. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lunchtime came and we were all sitting together eating our sandwiches. Kids were happily munching away when yet another mom asked to speak to me. She pulled me aside and said "You really need to do something about your son in the Spanish class." By this time I was boiling. I mean - did everyone around here know that my son had misbehaved in a class?!?! What did they expect me to do, publicly flog the child? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Later in the day, after the Spanish class, the teacher approached me and asked to speak with me. She started by saying that my son had done better today, but the last few weeks he had been disrupting the class. She said she thought it was possible that he had ADHD and maybe he needed to see a doctor. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That is the last thing I remember hearing her say... although she did talk for a little bit longer. When I replied I told her that I had already been spoken to three times about this by other women, I had corrected him, and her class was just a "fluff class" anyways, so I really didn't care if he didn't learn Spanish (I mean the kid could barely speak English and was 7 years old, he really didn't need a Spanish class) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lauren looked puzzled, but she was calm. She apologized. I don't remember if I apologized, I would like to think that I did, but we moved on. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For the past several years, I have stood in front of many women and told that story. Right beside me was my friend, Lauren. She picks up where I stop and says "I decided in my heart that I was going to be her friend." </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Her decision, 10 years ago, has had a lasting impact on our lives, but not just our own lives - the lives of hundreds of families. Her decision had a ripple effect in our community. We co-lead a ministry together. You see, if Lauren and I had not made the choice to forgive, we would not have a ministry to lead. In 2011 when the ministry needed a leader - there would have been none, and the ministry would have stopped. But because of our friendship, we were able to lead a ministry together. Over the 8 years we have been doing this we have seen countless families get the support they needed to homeschool. We have had literally hundreds if not thousands of people contact us for help and support, we have seen families come together and have seen people accept Christ as their savior - all through this ministry. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The thing is that sometimes when we make a decision, we have no idea, NO IDEA, how far reaching or lasting that decision will be. We can not even fathom the depth of the good that God has planned for us. We can not grasp that this little decision - sometimes big decision - sometimes every day decision - is going to be the decision that makes or breaks the next 10 years of our lives. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So what do you do with that kind of knowledge? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Psalm 119:9-16<br />
<span class="text Ps-119-9" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">How can <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-15908L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-15908L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>a young man keep his way pure?</span><span class="indent-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-119-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">By guarding it according to your word.</span></span><span class="text Ps-119-10" id="en-ESV-15909" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span></span><span class="text Ps-119-10" id="en-ESV-15909" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">With my whole heart I seek you;</span><span class="indent-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-119-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">let me not <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-15909N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-15909N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>wander from your commandments!</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-119-11" id="en-ESV-15910" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">I have <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-15910O" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-15910O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>stored up your word in my heart,</span><span class="indent-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-119-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">that I might not sin against you.</span></span><span class="text Ps-119-12" id="en-ESV-15911" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span></span><span class="text Ps-119-12" id="en-ESV-15911" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">Blessed are you, O <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>;</span><span class="indent-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-119-12" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-15911P" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-15911P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>teach me your statutes!</span></span><span class="text Ps-119-13" id="en-ESV-15912" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span></span><span class="text Ps-119-13" id="en-ESV-15912" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"> </span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Ps-119-13" id="en-ESV-15912" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">With my lips I <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-15912Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-15912Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>declare</span><span class="indent-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-119-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">all the rules of your mouth.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-119-14" id="en-ESV-15913" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">In the way of your testimonies I <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-15913R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-15913R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>delight</span><span class="indent-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-119-14" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">as much as in all <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-15913S" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-15913S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>riches.</span></span><span class="text Ps-119-15" id="en-ESV-15914" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span></span><span class="text Ps-119-15" id="en-ESV-15914" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">I will <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-15914T" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-15914T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>meditate on your precepts</span><span class="indent-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-119-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and fix my eyes on your <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-15914U" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-15914U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>ways.</span></span><span class="text Ps-119-16" id="en-ESV-15915" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span></span><span class="text Ps-119-16" id="en-ESV-15915" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">I will <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-15915V" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-15915V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>delight in your statutes;</span><span class="indent-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-119-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I will not forget your word.</span></span></blockquote>
As much is there is good from the good - there is also bad from the bad. <br />
<br />
<div>
What if she hadn't been kind? What if we had just ripped each other up with our words, hurt each other, or held onto a grudge towards one another? At the end of the day, we would have missed out on some of the best blessings, a wonderful friendship, and serving the Lord together, we would have missed a major calling in our lives. But more than that - hundreds of families would have missed blessings, friendships, guidance, and so. much. more. So much that we can't even see or imagine all that would have been missed. If we had made one different decision. </div>
<br />
How far reaching are bad decisions? Decisions to judge harshly, decisions to be cruel, decisions to break up friendships to harbor anger or resentment towards a brother or sister? Now imagine that not only was the opportunity for good lost, but then the opportunity for evil increased. Evil decisions also have a ripple. How much damage is done with foolish, prideful decisions? I believe the answer is the same - we can not even fathom the damage. We can not even imagine the hurt caused, the far reaching pain and agony we cause with what seems like one bad decision.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
1Peter 5:5-11<br />
<span class="text 1Pet-5-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">your</i> elders. <b>Yes, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NKJV-30471K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NKJV-30471K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>all of <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">you</i> be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility,</b> for </span><span class="text 1Pet-5-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="oblique" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“God resists the proud,</span></span><span class="text 1Pet-5-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="oblique" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">But</span> <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NKJV-30471M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NKJV-30471M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span class="oblique" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">gives grace to the humble.”</span></span><span class="text 1Pet-5-6" id="en-NKJV-30472" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, </span><span class="text 1Pet-5-7" id="en-NKJV-30473" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.</span><span class="text 1Pet-5-8" id="en-NKJV-30474" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. </span><span class="text 1Pet-5-9" id="en-NKJV-30475" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. </span><span class="text 1Pet-5-10" id="en-NKJV-30476" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>But may the God of all grace, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NKJV-30476N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NKJV-30476N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">you.</i> </span><span class="text 1Pet-5-11" id="en-NKJV-30477" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NKJV-30477O" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NKJV-30477O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>To Him <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">be</i> the glory and the dominion forever and ever. </span>(emphasis added)</blockquote>
<br />
Live purposefully, intentionally try to do what is pleasing to the Lord in all things, and then to Him be the Glory!<br />
<br />
Goodnight,<br />
Amanda<br />
<div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06936912689314538881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430083067027063642.post-59802974249299092132018-06-25T00:28:00.002-04:002018-06-25T00:28:26.675-04:00Fire<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="aqb0f" data-offset-key="bps1n-0-0" style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bps1n-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="bps1n-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I re-blog this post every so often, and I review it when I find out that yet again I have been the topic of, or surrounded by, gossip...</span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bps1n-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="bps1n-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="aqb0f" data-offset-key="8d28i-0-0" style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8d28i-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="8d28i-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"> I try to share this post again because I really believe that as much a there is a plague upon men who struggle to control themselves and are slaves to pornography and the sin caused by their eyes... there is a plague upon women who are slaves to gossip, slander, backbiting, jealousy and arrogance who make excuses for their secret sin, committed mainly with other women who struggle to control their tongues. I am reminded of 2Timothy 3:1-6</span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come. 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, 4 traitorous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these! 6 They are the kind who worm their way into households and captivate vulnerable women who are weighed down with sins and led astray by various passions...</span></blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In the forests there are tall towers constructed to be hundreds of feet tall. The wind causes them to sway just a little but if you can climb them, the view is amazing. You can see for miles. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img height="640" src="https://billcrotty.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/hanikra_forest_watchtower_stockade.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img height="426" src="https://www.romanticasheville.com/sites/default/files/images/basic_page/fall_color_forecast_0.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Imagine being on the Eiffel tower or the Empire State building and ripping open a feather pillow, shaking all the feathers out. Of course a few would fall at your feet, but the wind would blow most of the feathers far and wide. Even if you tried, even if your very life depended on it, you could not recapture all of those feathers. Most would travel to places unseen, unknown. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now imagine that all of those feathers, were fire. </div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Proverbs 16:27-28</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
27 Scoundrels create trouble;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
their words are a destructive blaze.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
28 A troublemaker plants seeds of strife;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
gossip separates the best of friends.</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="425" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6b/Mount_Carmel_forest_fire14.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="359" src="https://1www.ecestaticos.com/image/clipping/992/558/1f99eee98718493bb04572794847999b/imagen-sin-titulo.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="426" src="https://www.wired.com/images_blogs/wiredscience/2013/08/yosemite_fire_NASA1.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Gossip will burn through life like a wildfire, untamed, uncontrollable. Who can re-gather fire? It can never be re-gathered, it can never be taken back, just like you can never get back the spill of gossip. You could work tirelessly to undo gossip, you could spend hours, days, weeks, even years trying to battle... and it is like a single man trying to put out a forest fire. </div>
</div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">James 3:5-6</span>…<a href="http://biblehub.com/james/3-5.htm">5</a>So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!<a href="http://biblehub.com/james/3-6.htm">6</a>And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6mKM262XrPB_ax0J8L3W61uILoJs-mls1CZZns74nsNuQz-SHatkzSRCpBa3XXNgpgPvApaa5M7n2L66svplRfkfhsVNqEI3qtc2tmJ64Y95q2yvPgcWoaIougOllRXIHqg_TT8Ldhdl/s1600/fire+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6mKM262XrPB_ax0J8L3W61uILoJs-mls1CZZns74nsNuQz-SHatkzSRCpBa3XXNgpgPvApaa5M7n2L66svplRfkfhsVNqEI3qtc2tmJ64Y95q2yvPgcWoaIougOllRXIHqg_TT8Ldhdl/s640/fire+1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqwcBwWP7vSLm1TquG9Z2_vIqg5a2eeMgNKCvSF5dhDntvIv5118AWDnLHN46Qfl1id_Dq9BNuVR3rWt_TXPufmBfu4dsTgaD9IAa3EGDNjPqjvXIBCQDCjdh-B4MXvQWlktxWelpKwSJ/s1600/fire2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqwcBwWP7vSLm1TquG9Z2_vIqg5a2eeMgNKCvSF5dhDntvIv5118AWDnLHN46Qfl1id_Dq9BNuVR3rWt_TXPufmBfu4dsTgaD9IAa3EGDNjPqjvXIBCQDCjdh-B4MXvQWlktxWelpKwSJ/s640/fire2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRiJZdN3vojhnMtJE-Nj_3G2-jtdmGoP6eeUNNtEg4uaRbCcxAWpdmmE0VhNJDoZJYT5Ez-uLzteAdaTLHEvKCdK5tK5_in8JE6E8MBid0D6DLIr9u43eErG7oNG-swa-4a6Gn5G5rQSuY/s1600/fire3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRiJZdN3vojhnMtJE-Nj_3G2-jtdmGoP6eeUNNtEg4uaRbCcxAWpdmmE0VhNJDoZJYT5Ez-uLzteAdaTLHEvKCdK5tK5_in8JE6E8MBid0D6DLIr9u43eErG7oNG-swa-4a6Gn5G5rQSuY/s640/fire3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am pretty sure everyone has experienced gossip coming back to them about themselves. When that happens, it is always tempting to correct the gossip, to identify the originator and to put them in their place.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="415" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/80/Yellowstone_fire_1953.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="426" src="https://www.shannontech.com/ParkVision/Yellowstone/Yw-195.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But if I try to run it down I will never find rest or peace, it would be just as impossible as chasing down feathers dropped from the tower spire. It would be just as dangerous as a person who tried to fight a forest fire with a garden hose.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="405" src="https://latimesphoto.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/1421260_me_0503_camarillo_fire_2_6_f0.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>I have grappled with this and realized that...</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-size: x-large;">...when I accept God's estimation of me, </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-large;">I stop worrying about what people say about me.</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I know I have been the topic of gossip, I often pray that God will recapture all those feathers for me, that he will extinguish the fires that have been set around me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There is no way that I will ever be able to address it, no way that I could convince others of the untruthfulness of the words spoken against me or my family. And in trying to undo the tangle of someone else's web - I too would strike a match and light dry kindling - I too would be guilty - I too would cause harm.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em><strong><br /></strong></em></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Psalm 62:5-6 NLT</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let all that I am wait quietly before God,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-62-5">for my hope is in him.</span></span><span class="text Ps-62-6" id="en-NLT-14810"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>He alone is my rock and my salvation, </span><span class="indent-1">my fortress where I will not be shaken.</span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="359" src="https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/billingsgazette.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/53/25368ccc-5947-5780-8051-d30213597a19/503fb2d0da1a0.preview-699.jpg?crop=699,393,0,327" width="640" /></div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Goodnight,</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Amanda</div>
</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06936912689314538881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430083067027063642.post-50188487593074353692018-05-02T14:11:00.001-04:002018-05-02T14:13:58.635-04:00God is FOR YOU, the same as yesterday!<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="ddpha-0-0" style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ddpha-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We go to look at a truck. We have been looking at trucks, everywhere we go we are disappointed. Too old, rusty, overpriced, broke down - we aren't finding any good trucks, and when we do - they are soooo expensive that we can't even consider them. This truck is so nice, much nicer than others we have seen. We are certain we can not afford this truck, that there is no way anyone would sell us this truck. We LOVE the truck, and need a truck. Yet, we ask. "Father, if this is your will - throw the door WIDE OPEN, don't let us miss it. But if this is NOT your will, slam that door so hard and so fast that we won't miss that either!" </span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ddpha-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="ddpha-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We test drive said truck, talk to dealer, spend maybe 45 minutes or so at the dealership and then leave with the understanding that if the lady there can work it out on the terms we could afford she will call us and let us know, and if not that is OK too. About 20 minutes later she calls, they will take our malfunctioning car in trade, they will reduce the price of the truck, they have financing on our terms, come back and sign the papers and we are good to go. (AKA - Door wide open)</span></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ddpha-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="ddpha-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Fast Forward 12 days - </span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ddpha-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="ddpha-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Discovering water on your finished basement floor is not a great way to start the week!</span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ddpha-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our hot water heater, which is only a few years old, sprung a leak not only removing hot water from our faucets but leaving said water on the floor of the finished basement.... We realized this on a Sunday evening at about 8pm. Off to the Walmart to purchase a carpet cleaner to try to suck out the water we could. </span></div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="ddpha-0-0" style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
Monday, I am not even fully awake yet, and I get a call from the middle child, The new truck is broken down on the side of the highway, the NEW TRUCK that we have had for only 12 days! </div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="ddpha-0-0" style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
I call the dealer, call the insurance agent because the truck is so new to us we don't have the official paperwork yet for the insurance coverage. Roadside assistance will tow the truck, but not the trailer. Kid starts calling to get help with trailer. I take 5 minutes to post on Facebook that we need prayers. </div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="ddpha-0-0" style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
Dealer calls back and says have it towed to them they will look it over. Kid calls, says another friend will tow his trailer and bring him home. </div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="ddpha-0-0" style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
Then I make it downstairs and realize that this water mess is much larger than I thought. I call the other insurance to ask about coverage, they say no coverage for this. I call a plumber and they can be out by about 4pm, which is amazing considering it's almost noon. </div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="ddpha-0-0" style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
Husband comes home -his engine in his truck (the old truck) is misfiring. I can hear it from far down the road.</div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So when the truck breaks down 12 days later I have a choice - I can say </span><br />
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">"Darn truck! I knew that deal was too good to be true! Lousy rotten sales people!" When the heater goes out I can throw a fit and complain, cry and be angry, especially at the insurance company and when even the old truck is misfiring I can be angry at God. "Why did you let all this happen to me!" </span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">or I can say </span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">"Lord, you led us to that new truck, you threw that door wide open, there is no way that I asked you for a fish and you gave me a snake. I will call the dealer and be kind and calm, this will be ok." and I can look at bigger things, other things and I can say "The Lord is good to me, He always takes care of me, this time is no different." and rather than scream and yell and curse the sky, I can pray for wisdom and peace and the graciousness to handle whatever is thrown at me today. </span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="ddpha-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ddpha-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-offset-key="ddpha-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I heard someone recently teach that God's people in the Old Testament times were "physically blessed" and that people now are just "Spiritually Blessed"...</span></span></div>
</div>
<span data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="d362n-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d362n-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="d362n-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I have to wonder if God just shakes His head at such comments... this persons assertion is that God doesn't physically bless people in the modern age... look around!</span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Did you have to weave your clothing? Did you have to hunt your food? Did you have to fight a Philistine? You are physically blessed beyond measure, beyond what anyone thousands of years ago could have even imagined. Beyond the general blessings that most of the modern world gets to enjoy, I am also personally blessed, cared for, and provided for beyond what I can ask or imagine. </span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">God DOES bless his people, miraculously, even today. </span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">My water heater was replaced the next day, at no cost. </span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">The new truck was repaired the same day, within hours, at no cost. </span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">The old truck was repaired the same day, within hours, at no cost. </span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Not only that - but God uses HIS PEOPLE to pour out his blessings. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Christina and Coleen listened and helped just by listening =) They were kind and calm and encouraging. </span></div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0">
Jon came and picked up my son from the side of the road and brought him and his trailer home. </div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0">
Coleen came and brought me two shop vacs so I could get my basement in order. </div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0">
Dave came out and consulted on the water heater, gave Drason some basic instruction on installing a new one, and even helped with the company so that it was replaced under warranty.</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0">
Andrew diagnosed and repaired the old truck with parts from the old engine. </div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0">
Marshal took the old water heater back and picked up the new one and delivered it home. </div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0">
<br /></div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0">
These may seem like small things, it may seem less than miraculous but consider how much these things could have cost. The new truck could have cost thousands to repair (it's a diesel) or even to diagnose. Most diesel mechanics charge at least $70-$100 per hour - it took 4 hours to diagnose and repair. A water heater is about $500, installation of a new one and removal of the old one are about the same - so another $500. Diagnosing and repairing an engine misfire - at least a few hundred dollars, not including parts!</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0">
God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He isn't there to trick us, there isn't one God of the Old Testament and one God of the New Testament - He is the SAME GOD! No, things don't always look the same, but He is the same. He does bless us, He uses his anointed ones to pour out the blessings. </div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0">
<br /></div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0">
There is so much here that I want to unpack for you but it would take more time and writing that I could spare today - so instead I will bullet point it out for you....</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0">
<br /></div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0">
1. Prayer before big decisions gives peace and keeps you from shipwrecked faith - imagine moving forward without prayer and assurance on that large purchase - it puts you on shaky ground. </div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0">
2. You choose who you serve today - will you serve the Lord? If so, then TRUST him. He says over and over that He has good planned for you, He is worthy of your trust!</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0">
3. You have the power to build up your home or to destroy it with your words and actions (which stem from your thoughts and feelings) Take captive every thought and don't let them run wild. Did the thought that the truck was sold to me was a lemon cross my mind - for a second the devil whispered that thought - which was immediately captured and dismissed - NO- God is for me, this will be OK!</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0">
4. Your kids are watching, they will see - do you trust God or do you freak out? I just had a conversation with the Middle child THE DAY BEFORE THIS HAPPENED about trusting that God has good planned for you - worry is from the enemy. </div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0">
5. YOU can be the blessing that makes someone else's day more bearable -YOU are the hands and feet of Christ - USE THEM!</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0">
<br /></div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0">
Thank you God for turning my bad day into a blessing! Thank you for strengthening and equipping me to combat the fiery darts of the devil and to stand, thank you for making me stand and sending your people to help me stand. </div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b25i7" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0">
<br /></div>
</span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="17m0c-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06936912689314538881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430083067027063642.post-58164460896026751182018-01-28T16:54:00.002-05:002018-01-30T21:47:18.538-05:00Homeschooling in not abuseThere is a terrible story in the news. Two parents in California abused, shackled, tormented, and neglected their 13 children, who seem to have been forgotten by society. This is one of the most disturbing cases of child abuse I have ever heard of, it is sickening, it is evil. <br />
<br />
The news media has classified this family as a "homeschooling" family. Lets be very clear - this is not a homeschooling family. The father in this family registered his home as a private school - he lied, these kids were not in a private school. They received no education, there was no private school. Just because they were kept home, does not mean they were homeschooling - they were truant. This abuser found a loophole in a law so that he could continue to abuse. Just to be very clear, I completely condemn the actions of this man and woman and hope they receive the full penalty for their heinous crimes against their own children.<br />
<br />
This post isn't actually about abuse, because abuse is always wrong and that is the end of the story. This post is about a media narrative and a growing suspicion of loving and kind homeschooling families.<br />
<br />
In 2016 California passed a law that all students in public schools had to be 100% compliant with vaccines, and this would be checked in Kindergarten and 7th grade. Medical exemptions tripled. So they added that any doctor giving a medical exemption could have their practice investigated and if a third party found that exemption in error, they would no longer be eligible for insurance payments (basically their practice would be ruined) Medical waivers became so very rare that even children that maybe should have them were denied because doctors didn't want to bet their livelihood on the third party decision. As a result, 15,000 students withdrew from the public schools in order to home educate.<br />
<br />
Multiply that 15,000 by the average $10,600 that schools receive per student (some based on property taxes, some state delegated funds, some federal aid) And that is a whopping 159 Million dollars out of the system. While public schools still get <i>some </i>of those funds, 10% is federal aid - that is gone. The mix of local and state aid varies so much it can literally change district to district, between 40% and 80% of those funds (depending on district) are also gone - the state won't fund a child who isn't there. This puts local districts in more of a pinch, because they were counting on those students, now the students aren't there, so the funds aren't there, so they literally have to look at laying off staff. <br />
<br />
This is a long rabbit trail away from abuse, but it might help you understand why this story has been in the news every day for two weeks, especially in California, and why so many politicians are proposing additional rules for homeschooling families.<br />
<br />
In the past two weeks I have received multiple messages from homeschooling families who have been contacted by relatives or friends and pressured to place their children back in public school because they believe homeschooling is "educational neglect" or "abusive" or "creates an environment for abuse and isolation" and frankly, this is offensive.<br />
<br />
Legally homeschooled students are 40% less likely to die by child abuse or neglect than the average student nationally.<br />
<br />
1 in 10 public school students are abused AT public school, often by the very people charged to protect and educate them.<br />
<br />
But don't take my word for it - check out the National Home Education Research Institute's article <a href="https://www.nheri.org/child-abuse-of-public-school-private-school-and-homeschool-students-evidence-philosophy-and-reason/" target="_blank">here </a><br />
<br />
I think this quote from the article easily sums up my personal feelings about these types of suggestions -<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Wexler, the executive director of the <b>National Coalition for Child Protection Reform </b>and a self-identified liberal, in his article “Protect homeschooled children from child savers,” put it this way: “Why are homeschoolers a special target of 21st century child savers? Because we liberals tend to stereotype them …” </blockquote>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“Further, Wexler explained many of the unintended damages that mandatory homeschool home visits and interviews of children would inflict on children. For example, children react, even to temporary infringement of parental autonomy, with changes such as “… anxiety, diminishing trust, loosening of emotional ties, or an increasing tendency to be out of control.”</blockquote>
</blockquote>
But this doesn't stop the well-meaning friend or family member from expressing their disapproval of your educational choice. A simple google search could yield everything they would ever desire to know about homeschooling, abuse rates among homeschooling families, and much more.<br />
<br />
On an article posted in the Newark Advocate regarding the California abuse case (posted 1/25/18) several comments disparaged homeschooling families as abusive, secluded weirdos. One woman stated that she planned to call CPS on her homeschooling neighbors because she didn't like that the children were playing outside during the day and that the family used a wood burner and electric heaters to heat their home, and had their gas turned off at the meter. <br />
<br />
No one wants to be Chicken Little here, but there are some rumblings of possible change and a time of possible backlash towards families who choose alternative means to educate their children. Just this week the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) hosted a Facebook Live video discussing the closure of an online school and the actions of the Ohio Dept. of Ed. (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hslda/videos/10156001968168419/" target="_blank">here</a>) For those familiar with HSLDA, you understand that they do not consider online public schools to be homeschooling. I have <b>never</b> seen them engage in a conversation about the closure of an online public school, but I understand why they would in this case seeing as the Dept. of Ed. essentially made up rules and applied them retroactively to all online schools. Another key similarity is the school funding issue, where the state of Ohio is seeking 60 million in reimbursement based on their retroactive attendance tracking rules. Untangling the media "facts" on this closure is difficult, but everyone can agree this is a case of public schools trying to reclaim funding.<br />
<br />
So what can I, the average homeschooling mom, do to protect my children, to educate my friends and neighbors, and to ensure that homeschooling is still an accepted method of education?<br />
<br />
1 - Join the HSLDA - They are there if trouble ever comes knocking. I can call and get immediate representation, I can also know that my membership pays for lobbyist at the state and federal level who continuously promote and represent my desire to homeschool my children.<br />
<br />
2 - Get to know my neighbors and be open with my friends and family. The fact is as a homeschooling mom I have NOTHING to hide. No, it isn't their business, but raising a wall and cutting off friends and family only raises suspicions.<br />
<br />
3 - Know what to do if a social worker shows up at the door. The fact is that no matter how open and loving I am with my friends and neighbors, that won't stop a nosy old lady at the grocery from writing down my licences plate and calling the police because my kids aren't in school on a Tuesday morning.<br />
<br />
4. Find local, in real life, support. Yes, the internet is a wonderful invention but having a number of families who know you and your children through the library or your church or even a local homeschool group will benefit you greatly if there ever are false accusations made about your home.<br />
<br />
5.Trust God. This is last because it is the most important thing, and I want you to remember it. Many homeschooling families fully believe that the Lord called them to home educate. God doesn't call us to impossible tasks, but rather He equips those He calls. Trust that His call to homeschooling isn't swayed by popular opinion or your less than supportive mother in law.<br />
<br />
Wishing you many blessing on your homeschooling journey!<br />
Amanda<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06936912689314538881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430083067027063642.post-51131683929352103122018-01-03T15:10:00.000-05:002018-01-03T15:10:15.541-05:00Happy New...<span style="font-family: inherit;"> "New Year New You" all the slogans in advertisements to join a gym, or read more books, save more money.... all slogans that say "Improve yourself" and imply that you maybe aren't quite good enough the way that you are... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I asked a friend what she thought of "New Years Resolutions" and she said she thought that it implied that she knew there was something that needed fixing but that she had just been waiting around not working on it, and I agreed and we talked about our mothers and how their new years resolutions turned out. It got me thinking about how my own children would one day look at me, and how we are slowly becoming our mothers, and how that really isn't a bad thing at all, but it scares us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I thought I would be better at this by now. That there was some wonderful age where I would have more answers than questions, when the everyday trials would cease and everything would just "work out" and that isn't something a new years resolution, or even 30 years worth of new years resolutions can fix. It's like we're waiting for that imaginary finish line where someone says "You made it!" </span><br />
<br />
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="a4ff3" data-offset-key="1gdu9-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-offset-key="1gdu9-0-0">"......you know what? some nights we want someone to kick the shins of the dark for us, Lord, to punch fear in the face for us, someone to throw down a finish line and say "Look! You Win!"</span><span data-offset-key="1mb3j-0-0">And yeah, You nod, because You get it, because You've got us, and You punch fear in the face with one line, with all Your love: 'Perfect love casts out all fear.'</span><span data-offset-key="9nsq2-0-0">And You kick back the dark with one brilliant turn: 'The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.' </span><span data-offset-key="f43tp-0-0">And You throw down a finish line for us -- your own bleeding heart -- and say those three words: 'It is Finished' " Ann Voskamp</span></span></blockquote>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="a4ff3" data-offset-key="1he95-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1he95-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="1he95-0-0">There isn't a resolution out there that can top all that has already been done for me!</span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="a4ff3" data-offset-key="f4h00-0-0">
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; direction: ltr; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-offset-key="cfqto-0-0">Your perfect love casts out all fear, and you have not given me a spirit of fear, but one of power and love and sound judgement. </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; direction: ltr; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-offset-key="cfqto-0-0">You have overcome the darkness and I get to be more than a conqueror through Him who loved me ,</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; direction: ltr; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-offset-key="cfqto-0-0">It is Finished - making Jesus the first born among many brethren - and I get to be His little sister. </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; direction: ltr; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-offset-key="cfqto-0-0"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; direction: ltr; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-offset-key="cfqto-0-0">Though the world may say I need a better resolution - but I have been given better promises </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-offset-key="cfqto-0-0">and every spiritual blessing. So that when is seems like things should be better by now, I can trust that ALL things are working, just now, together for good and things that seem to be falling apart are really just falling together for His Glory. </span></span><span data-offset-key="cfqto-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; direction: ltr; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="cfqto-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; direction: ltr; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="cfqto-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">And the best resolution isn't made when the 'new year' rolls around and we all wake up feeling a little bit older and like we need to work a little bit harder (because that way lies the yoke of slavery again to the old) but the best resolution is the promise that is made... </span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="91tvm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Isaiah 43:19-21 </span><span data-offset-key="28ck6-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert. "The beasts of the field will glorify Me, The jackals and the ostriches, Because I have given waters in the wilderness And rivers in the desert, To give drink to My chosen people. "The people whom I formed for Myself Will declare My praise."</span></blockquote>
</div>
Yes! These words I heard echoing in my spirit last fall as we celebrated His feasts.<br /> "I am doing something new...." <br />
<br />
May my only resolution be, that His Praise is on my lips, and His Glory is revealed. Because I am convinced that even now, He is doing something new in me, and may it be so in all of us. <br />
<br />
-Amanda-Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06936912689314538881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430083067027063642.post-12212389477248223462017-10-25T16:21:00.001-04:002017-10-25T16:21:21.526-04:00Homeschooling High School- part 1 - updated edition<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I originally posted this when my kids were in middle school and beginning high school - it's been a few years and an update is in order!</div>
<br style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
After the years of cuteness, fieldtrips, and educational material where I know all the answers to all the questions, came something else....</div>
<br style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
In much of the curriculum we have used there has been a definite shift in about the 6<sup>th</sup> or 7<sup>th</sup> grade. <st1:city w:st="on">Reading</st1:city> workbooks are now entitled ‘Literature’ Math went from long multiplication to fractions to integers to algebra. The science book still has colorful pictures, but it also has experiments and science fair projects and is as thick as a few of my old college textbooks. Days that were spent on fieldtrips to Dawes feeding the ducks, became hours that we could not afford to take off. Time with my girlfriends while the kids played in the park became time with the kids one on one while we studied some long forgotten (to me) concept. My patience melted under the added pressure of the tough topic. In short, homeschooling became much harder. </div>
<br style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Up to this point homeschooling had been relatively easy. Don’t get me wrong, my children didn’t leap joyfully from their beds asking to work on long multiplication while reading historical literature and eating whole organic homemade bread. BUT, they were able to complete their lessons in a few hours each day, play for hours uninterrupted, pursue any topic which caught their interest, help with a myriad of chores, and participate in many a field trip or activity. </div>
<br style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
About two years ago, in April-ish – I began to purchase curriculum for my oldest and as I began to plan the coming year I realized that he was going to have a much larger scope of work. So I called and asked a good friend some hard questions.</div>
<br style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>Is all middle school and high school curriculum this hard?</b></div>
<br style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
‘Yes, middle school is preparing your child for high school. High school is preparing your child for college. You certainly can take easier classes in middle school, but those lead to easier high school classes and perhaps not being able to go to college. It could also lead to taking a year or two of remedial classes at the local community college.’ That was not what I wanted to hear. I really wanted to hear that there were some super easy fun curriculum for Calculus that could miraculously teach advanced math is 20 minutes a day. Sort of unrealistic, I know.<br />
<br />
**Update- my miracle curriculum was not actually a curriculum, it was a tutor. It seemed counter intuitive to hire a tutor (wouldn't that just take more time?) but in reality, it helped that they had someone who was a professional math teacher who could explain math in many different ways. This sped up the time they spent on any one lesson and helped us best use our time. I also believe this led to a more thorough understanding of the concepts covered than a "teacher in a box" DVD's or online lessons would have provided for us. We also utilized our co-op classes to the fullest. Because the high school teachers were so very good at our co-op, it reduced the overall stress on me, and let me be mom!**</div>
<br style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>What if I don’t feel comfortable teaching it or don’t understand it?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
‘You may not understand it, that’s ok. There are a lot of ways around that. You can use an online school, a correspondence course, courses on DVD’s. You can hire a tutor, enroll in a co-op class… there are a number of things that you can do to achieve a high quality education for your student, you just have to be willing to put in the leg work to find it and finance it.’<br />
<br />
**Update - again I can't say enough good things about our co-op teachers. Yes, classes cost money, but they were well worth the time. We also used the local community college to achieve some of our high school requirements. Because my children were about to test into these classes at about 15 years old, they were able to complete much of their "high school" work online via the community college and receive both high school and college credits! Because the classes were online, they allowed for parental supervision and support and discussion of controversial ideas with parents before they ever had to discuss them with a professor. </div>
<br style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>Will we have time to do fun things? </b></div>
<br style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
‘Definitely, but they will have to be things that really matter to your teen. You won’t have time to do every fun thing, but they will have time to pursue the things that matter to them.’ I have also found this is also true. As my oldest got older he stopped wanting to participate in certain activities, but thrived in other areas. We dropped band, and he committed to apply himself diligently to his lessons so that he could play football. My second oldest dropped sports and excelled in band, piano and is now in a local theater production. He also committed to complete his school work before participating in these extra activities.<br />
<br />
**Update - Watch out for dropping too much too soon. One child dropped everything in pursuit of a job, but really he still needed to be participating here and there with friends. Later, he regretted his decision, even though he was successful at work. It is important to edit, but don't edit out all the activities where you see your friends. Find a way to give credits for those activities so that you can fee that you are having fun and accomplishing something at the same time. Some kids are anxious to grow up - weren't we all?? But keep in mind you only get to be a kids once, so encourage them to slow down a little bit and worry about work when they are a bit older. **</div>
<b style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"></b><br style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" />
<b style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Will we have time for chores?<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
‘Maybe. It depends on how you structure your day. You need to prioritize. What is more important, having well educated kids, or, having a manicured lawn? Think about the things that they are involved in, are they more, less or equally important to their education? At this stage of life they are basically working a full time job to complete their school work. Whatever is added on top of that needs to make sense for their lives.’<br />
<br />
**Update - In our home this practically looked like house cleaning about one day per week, so the cleanliness of the home depended on the day you visited. Teens are still growing and need time to rest, keep that in mind when planning around school work, friend time and perhaps their part time job. I found that I sometimes felt like the maid!**</div>
<br style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>What about friends?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
‘Teens need a good bit of hang out time. They have their own friendships and they want to hang out with their friends just like you want to hang out with yours. As far as friends for you, make time to be away from your kids to have time with your friends. Your students should have a schedule so that they can be left alone, away from you, and still complete their work.’<br />
<br />
**Update - Friends are an interesting creature in high school. Some kids have dramatic shifts in priorities and personalities, don't be surprised if your 7th and 8th grade friends, or even freshman and sophomore friends, look very different with your junior and senior high friends. By this time, you have probably already found a "good" group of friends, just be watchful. Sometimes even "good" kids make very bad decisions, become rebellious, and abandon their faith in high school. <br />
For us it was also a good idea to associate with groups that shared our beliefs (more than just in the name) and we avoided groups that were in controversy or had unstable leadership. We later realized just how much these choices had protected our kids from some very bad influences.**</div>
<br style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>What if my kids don’t really want to be home educated, complete their work, or drop extraneous activities?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
‘Listen to your teen. They know their lives, they know their likes, they know their dislikes and sometimes they have a unique perspective on a situation that you have not seen. That being said, you are still the parent, not the friend, and sometimes you may spend an hour explaining your reasoning and suggesting a path, and they still won’t agree with you. There are some things that are a non starter – like not completing school work, or not being home educated, but there are other things that could go either way – let your student make as many of these decisions as you can.’</div>
<br style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
If I could do one thing differently to prepare for homeschooling through high school, I would…..</div>
<br style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The oldest kid is always the test kid. When I realized how difficult some of the work would be we withdrew from many activities so that he could be at home studying. As a result my younger two were also at home more. This at home time became a more structured routine and gave them some very good study habits. If I could do one thing differently, I would have participated in <b><i>fewer</i></b> extra activities and field trips (unless they fit into the preordained afternoon and evening free time) when my oldest was in the 4<sup>th</sup> and 5<sup>th</sup> grades and would have more carefully guarded the hours each day when school work needed to be completed. The transition from elementary work to middle school work was <b><i>much</i></b> smoother for my middle and youngest sons because they had this structure in place already.<br />
<br />
**Update - no season is forever, as my kids got older and better at completing school, we were able to re-engage in LOTS of field trips and other activities, but not so many recurring activities. We stuck with our co-op, but we dropped weekly music and karate lessons (we were blessed to be able to incorporate these into our co-op) This eliminated time out and travel time three days a week.**</div>
<br style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The other reason I think I was so game to blow off a school day and make it up later was because <b><i>my</i></b> friends would be at the events. I showed my children that I valued my fun social time more that I valued their school work. This was not intentional, but in all honestly there were times when I should have said no, but instead I said yes.<br />
<br />
**Update - I regret no field trips, no snow days, and no fun outside play! I do regret sleeping in some days, but other than that, those fun days made for the best memories. You really can't mess them up until they are in middle school. I encourage parents to focus on FUN in history and science, and on FUNdamentals in Language Arts and Math until their child is in the 4th or 5th grade. Once you hit middle school there will be plenty of time for staying home and studying! Remember - they are only young once!**</div>
<br style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Finally, I would suggest that parents who are dedicated to homeschooling surround themselves with like minded people. So many homeschooling families stop homeschooling when their kids get to be a certain age. My calling to home educate my children is something that isn’t a passing phase, it is a commitment. When parents view their dedication to home education as a calling and not a choice, the option of <b><i>not homeschooling </i></b>is taken off the table and instead of focusing on issues you tend to focus on finding solutions. </div>
<br style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Support is out there for parents who want to home school through high school, but it can be difficult to find since so many families have planned from the start to home school only through the 5<sup>th</sup> or 6<sup>th</sup> grade. Looking at an old roster I note that 11 out of 31 families, fully 1/3, have placed their children into the public schools. I am not citing this to criticize families for their choice and I understand that God’s calling in my life is not necessarily the calling for their lives. This post isn't an attack on any person who decides to place their children in public schools. I point this out only to illustrate how important it is to surround yourself with families who share and support your homeschooling goals, otherwise you may not reach them. </div>
<br style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #4c2919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I have been blessed to have many ladies in my life who have home educated a child through high school, and I hope that I can be an encouragement to others who also want to complete this journey.</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06936912689314538881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430083067027063642.post-23662072866871551412017-10-16T20:44:00.001-04:002017-10-16T20:50:18.485-04:00The Pit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvU2ucUQz_y9qxjejxbA6vVCQpsRPuNbz_geqLRS4_bRBF4bYtG5bSXSO92UXZQMEzTCq3tUg0ebOuTehHjQgzZhD64V0x_UqktbewrDqvSq2JaSDhrvWBvInP72Q_fNDkbZVOJDUb6IIb/s1600/pit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvU2ucUQz_y9qxjejxbA6vVCQpsRPuNbz_geqLRS4_bRBF4bYtG5bSXSO92UXZQMEzTCq3tUg0ebOuTehHjQgzZhD64V0x_UqktbewrDqvSq2JaSDhrvWBvInP72Q_fNDkbZVOJDUb6IIb/s320/pit.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Why not?!?!"<br />
<br />
She was a little bit angry with me. As if her raised voice and scowl weren't enough of a reminder, she punctuated her syllables with her hand on the table top in frustration. Frustration that I had not caused, but also had refused to make my issue. Rather than engage her, I instructed her to speak with the person who offended her and told her I could not defend myself against the second hand statements she presented. "Why not?!?!" was her question and quite a question she posed. Why, would I not defend myself against false, second hand, gossip given statements? Why would I not meet with someone to "set the record straight"? Why could I not even engage in this non-discussion? Because many years ago I made a promise to my Savior that if he would drag my sorry carcass out of the stinking pit I had gotten into, I would NEVER crawl back into it again. <br />
<br />
Sin hurts. It is designed to maim, kill, and destroy us. Even faithful Christians can fall into sin, and not just a little sin, but great big ugly stinking sin. Take Galatians for example.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Galatians 6:1<br />
Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. </blockquote>
Another version says if someone is "overcome" by sin. I think "caught" is a more vivid verb here. I once heard a teacher describe this an an animal caught in a snare. No animal likes to be caught and will thrash around trying to break free. More often than not all that thrashing just makes a bigger mess, and a worse wound. Don't miss the warning here - those who are spiritual - those who are above reproach, they are the ones to restore him, but there is the chance that even they could fall into sin.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
1 Corinthians 10:12-13 <br />
So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall. No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it </blockquote>
Here again this speaks to the believer, sin is a real thing, even when you think you stand firm, you could be falling down. <br />
<br />
My sin was awful, I thought I was standing - really I was falling. I thought I could get out of the pit, in truth I made it much worse. Was I the only sinner that day, was I single-handedly responsible for the outcome of the actions of a group? No, I was not. But, I was solely responsible for my own actions and that was what Jesus wanted to talk to me about. In the midst of the trouble, I wanted to talk about everyone else's issue "But she did this, Lord" and "That one said this, they lied!" and so on, but the more I pointed at others, the more the Lord pointed back at me.<br />
<br />
I felt wretched, miserable, diseased, ill used and forgotten. It took that low pit for me to look up. Jesus was waiting, and as soon as I repented and began to be obedient to him, He pulled me out of the pit and put my feet back on solid ground. If you've ever had a hard fall, and I pray that you do not, you will know the freedom that I experienced. Even though there were things I had to take care of, it was like a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I was not only able to walk forward, but completely willing and happy to walk forward in faith. This was about 7 years ago, and while I can't say I have been perfect since that time, I can say that I was fully delivered out of this particular area of sin in my life.<br />
<br />
A few years ago I got a text from a very dear friend who wrote:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Can I just encourage you that your obedience to not gossip ever is such a blessing to me. I have conversations in which people tell me things about themselves that make me think "huh, Amanda never mentioned this when we talked about this." and I'm encouraged. Good work, sister." </blockquote>
What a blessing, what a beautiful good word to be spoken over my life. What a wonder that someone could be pulled out of a pit, washed off, covered in grace, so much so that these words would be spoken of them. I am truly blessed.<br />
<br />
The downside of being pulled out of a pit is that in realizing that you were in the pit, and realizing that if you never want to go back, you have to then become obedient to what the Lord wants from your life, which is sometimes a difficult path to walk. To top it all off, it seems our Savior wants to use our pit experiences to encourage help others. He pulls us out of a pit so that we can tell others that there is a Savior who is familiar with pulling people out of pits!<br />
<br />
So, when someone came to me with a complaint about another, I asked them to stop, and go to the one who had offended them. When another loudly and repeatedly, shamefully, treated me and others around me - we tried to explain the Savior, and then we taught Matthew 18, and when they were still brash and unrepentant, threatening, and rude - we followed Matthew 18 to it's conclusion, with as much love, patience and with an open door should they ever want to return.<br />
<br />
Recently someone sent me an email stating they had been "made aware" (aka been party to gossip) of some things and believed them and as such I would be excluded from their fellowship. They further stated I was welcome to sit down and "discuss" this with them. (I'm not sure how someone could possibly discuss gossip without being a gossip... but I digress)<br />
<br />
When I refused, they spread their rumors to others, saying I had unreasonably refused them, making intimation that there was "more to the story" and that I had somehow personally wronged them.<br />
<br />
To sum up - First, I lived in a pit, then -once out of the pit I repeatedly had those around me who wanted to live in a pit of their own, and my Savior, having pulled me out of a pit, bids me to go and encourage them that He can also pull them out of a pit. Which sometimes resulted in their general scorn and dislike, which was then gossiped about (cause they never got out of their pit) bringing even more to slander against me, even to my friends.<br />
<br />
What does my Savior say about all this?<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Luke 6:22-23<br />
<span style="color: red;">Blessed are you when people hate you,</span><span style="color: red;"> when they exclude you and insult you</span><span style="color: red;"> and reject your name as evil,</span><span style="color: red;"> because of the Son of Man.</span><span style="color: red;"><br /></span><span style="color: red;">Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.</span></blockquote>
I am blessed. Free from the pit, washed clean, placed in a place of honor, given a new name, a new mind, a new spirit. I get to live from victory to victory. I no longer stink of the pit, I no longer thrash about like a trapped animal. I stand, because He is able to make me stand. I am one with Christ, set free, no longer a slave but an heir to the kingdom.<br />
<br />
Goodnight,<br />
Amanda<br />
<br />
PS - having excluded every name and circumstance from this post, if you know EXACTLY what I am talking about... someone in a pit has reached out to you! RUN away from the pit. It is terrible, take my word for it, don't get into the pit.<br />
<br />
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06936912689314538881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430083067027063642.post-40695087005392864392017-09-03T01:52:00.004-04:002017-09-03T01:52:35.370-04:00Fire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In the forests there are tall towers constructed to be hundreds of feet tall. The wind causes them to sway just a little but if you can climb them, the view is amazing. You can see for miles. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img height="640" src="https://billcrotty.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/hanikra_forest_watchtower_stockade.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img height="426" src="https://www.romanticasheville.com/sites/default/files/images/basic_page/fall_color_forecast_0.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img height="426" src="https://www.traditionellkinesiskmedicin.se.test.levonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Fall_017.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Imagine being on the Eiffel tower or the Empire State building and ripping open a feather pillow, shaking all the feathers out. Of course a few would fall at your feet, but the wind would blow most of the feathers far and wide. Even if you tried, even if your very life depended on it, you could not recapture all of those feathers. Most would travel to places unseen, unknown. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now imagine that all of those feathers, were fire. </div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Proverbs 16:27-28</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
27 Scoundrels create trouble;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
their words are a destructive blaze.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
28 A troublemaker plants seeds of strife;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
gossip separates the best of friends.</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="425" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6b/Mount_Carmel_forest_fire14.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="359" src="https://1www.ecestaticos.com/image/clipping/992/558/1f99eee98718493bb04572794847999b/imagen-sin-titulo.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="426" src="https://www.wired.com/images_blogs/wiredscience/2013/08/yosemite_fire_NASA1.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Gossip will burn through life like a wildfire, untamed, uncontrollable. Who can re-gather fire? It can never be re-gathered, it can never be taken back, just like you can never get back the spill of gossip. You could work tirelessly to undo gossip, you could spend hours, days, weeks, even years trying to battle... and it is like a single man trying to put out a forest fire. </div>
</div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">James 3:5-6</span>…<a href="http://biblehub.com/james/3-5.htm">5</a>So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!<a href="http://biblehub.com/james/3-6.htm">6</a>And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6mKM262XrPB_ax0J8L3W61uILoJs-mls1CZZns74nsNuQz-SHatkzSRCpBa3XXNgpgPvApaa5M7n2L66svplRfkfhsVNqEI3qtc2tmJ64Y95q2yvPgcWoaIougOllRXIHqg_TT8Ldhdl/s1600/fire+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6mKM262XrPB_ax0J8L3W61uILoJs-mls1CZZns74nsNuQz-SHatkzSRCpBa3XXNgpgPvApaa5M7n2L66svplRfkfhsVNqEI3qtc2tmJ64Y95q2yvPgcWoaIougOllRXIHqg_TT8Ldhdl/s640/fire+1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqwcBwWP7vSLm1TquG9Z2_vIqg5a2eeMgNKCvSF5dhDntvIv5118AWDnLHN46Qfl1id_Dq9BNuVR3rWt_TXPufmBfu4dsTgaD9IAa3EGDNjPqjvXIBCQDCjdh-B4MXvQWlktxWelpKwSJ/s1600/fire2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqwcBwWP7vSLm1TquG9Z2_vIqg5a2eeMgNKCvSF5dhDntvIv5118AWDnLHN46Qfl1id_Dq9BNuVR3rWt_TXPufmBfu4dsTgaD9IAa3EGDNjPqjvXIBCQDCjdh-B4MXvQWlktxWelpKwSJ/s640/fire2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRiJZdN3vojhnMtJE-Nj_3G2-jtdmGoP6eeUNNtEg4uaRbCcxAWpdmmE0VhNJDoZJYT5Ez-uLzteAdaTLHEvKCdK5tK5_in8JE6E8MBid0D6DLIr9u43eErG7oNG-swa-4a6Gn5G5rQSuY/s1600/fire3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRiJZdN3vojhnMtJE-Nj_3G2-jtdmGoP6eeUNNtEg4uaRbCcxAWpdmmE0VhNJDoZJYT5Ez-uLzteAdaTLHEvKCdK5tK5_in8JE6E8MBid0D6DLIr9u43eErG7oNG-swa-4a6Gn5G5rQSuY/s640/fire3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am pretty sure everyone has experienced gossip coming back to them about themselves. When that happens, it is always tempting to correct the gossip, to identify the originator and to put them in their place.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="415" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/80/Yellowstone_fire_1953.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="426" src="https://www.shannontech.com/ParkVision/Yellowstone/Yw-195.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But if I try to run it down I will never find rest or peace, it would be just as impossible as chasing down feathers dropped from the tower spire. It would be just as dangerous as a person who tried to fight a forest fire with a garden hose.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="405" src="https://latimesphoto.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/1421260_me_0503_camarillo_fire_2_6_f0.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>I have grappled with this and realized that...</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-size: x-large;">...when I accept God's estimation of me, </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-large;">I stop worrying about what people say about me.</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I know I have been the topic of gossip, I often pray that God will recapture all those feathers for me, that he will extinguish the fires that have been set around me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There is no way that I will ever be able to address it, no way that I could convince others of the untruthfulness of the words spoken against me or my family. And in trying to undo the tangle of someone else's web - I too would strike a match and light dry kindling - I too would be guilty - I too would cause harm.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em><strong><br /></strong></em></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Psalm 62:5-6 NLT</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let all that I am wait quietly before God,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-62-5">for my hope is in him.</span></span><span class="text Ps-62-6" id="en-NLT-14810"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>He alone is my rock and my salvation, </span><span class="indent-1">my fortress where I will not be shaken.</span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="359" src="https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/billingsgazette.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/53/25368ccc-5947-5780-8051-d30213597a19/503fb2d0da1a0.preview-699.jpg?crop=699,393,0,327" width="640" /></div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Goodnight,</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Amanda</div>
</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06936912689314538881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430083067027063642.post-52679558991186469912017-05-18T12:24:00.000-04:002017-05-18T12:24:05.350-04:00Potato Battery<br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<img alt="3B Two Potato Clock Kit" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" /> </div>
<br />
The words "potato battery" have come up more than once on our homeschooling journey... Whether it's the annual science fair or someone experimenting in the kitchen, apparently turning a potato into a battery is actually a thing.<br />
<br />
There are YouTube videos on how to make a potato battery, kits sold via the internet for 29.95 to explore the electric producing power of a potato. You can make a "clock" from a potato battery, sciencebuddies.com will show you how to "produce electricity from produce" apparently they don't limit this phenomenon to just potatoes! I even found multi week unit studies called "Potato Power". Potatoes truly can produce electricity! <br />
<br />
So this morning I got up and plugged my laptop into a potato.... and guess what - nothing happened. I felt a little miffed that my laptop didn't power on! After a little more research I discovered that each potato can contribute up to .5 volts, while my laptops lithium ion battery is actually 15 volts. SO - if I had 30 or so average potatoes I could potentially power my laptop for about 3 days - or until the potatoes went bad. I think I'll go buy some potatoes.... <br />
<br />
At this point you likely think I have lost my mind, how silly would you have to be to purchase potatoes to power your laptop!! Yet, that is what we do- day after day - when we plug into the wrong source of energy in our own lives. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>1Peter 1:23-25<br /> 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, 24 because<br /><br />“All flesh is as grass,<br />And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass.<br />The grass withers,<br />And its flower falls away,<br />25 But the word of the Lord endures forever.”<br />Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.</i></blockquote>
<br />
One thing I learned when looking up things about "potato power" is that there is actually a group of people who research this and really believe that plants can power everything in our lives. They are dedicated to the study of the power of plants. <br />
Can you imagine how excited these scientists would be if they discovered a plant that would provide power, <i>forever? </i>It would be all over the news, everyone would be talking about it, everyone would be buying that plant, caring for it, watering it, feeding it.<br />
<br />
We have, at our fingertips, the word of God - which "abides forever" and "endures forever" and we are not studying it! We treat it like it's optional. We look around and see all the things in our lives that will last for a moment - all the things that will wither and fall away and we run to embrace them!<br />
<br />
<b>We have the ability to plug in to a power source that "endures forever" Plugging into <u>anything else</u> is the equivalent of powering a laptop with potatoes - it is simply foolish. </b><br />
<br />
...and yet we do it all the time, everyday. <br />
<br />
When we are upset, do we take it to the Lord or do we take it to a friend in gossip?<br />
When we feel distraught, do we cry out to him in prayer or do we cry out online and post?<br />
When we are afraid, do we talk to Jesus or do we cower and give a place to anxiety?<br />
When we are lonely, do we spend time with our Beloved, or do we scroll social media and compare?<br />
When we are angry, do we hand it over to the Lord, or do we try to take control?<br />
<b><br /></b>
We know this already, we know that we have to plug into the source of life everlasting, and yet, we love our personal potatoes so much that we argue their benefit! We defend plugging into potatoes!<br />
<br />
"There's nothing wrong with talking to her, she's my friend" <br />
"I post online because I don't have anyone else to talk to - what would you have me do?"<br />
"Its perfectly normal to feel this way"<br />
"It's my (husband, family, child) fault I feel alone"<br />
"Anyone would react like this"<br />
<br />
Is this really how we want to live? We know that all these things will wither and fade away and that as a believer we were made, and remade - for more than this!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Our friends, our social media followers, our rationalizations and justifications are <u>small potatoes</u> compared to the power of God, but </b><b>if we don't learn to plug into the source of LIFE, we are going to find ourselves spiritually dead! </b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>John 15:5 - 11<br /> <br />5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.<br />9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.<br />11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. </i></blockquote>
If we will give up our potatoes, the things we love, the things we think give us power - we gain some truly powerful promises!<br />
<br />
Jesus promises we will enjoy a productive life - he will give us new fruit that isn't going to spoil!<br />
We will be able to ask for our desires, which will align with His, and receive them!<br />
His love will abide in us!<br />
We will keep His commandments - and we will be better equipped to keep them because we are filled with His love!<br />
We will be filled with joy!.<br />
<br />
This is the real power we need to plug into! Jesus is also very clear that without him, without this real source of power, we can do nothing! The Greek word translated “nothing” is oudeis, from ou (meaning “not”) and heis (meaning “one”). Literally it means “not one thing.”<br />
<br />
Jesus tells his disciples that he is their life source - the power for their lives (the vine). They are the recipients of that vital energy (the branches). What they accomplish in life (the fruit) is only accomplished because of the connection they have to Him. <u>Then He says - If you are not connected to me, you can’t do one single thing!</u><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You might stop right there and think... but wait, lots of people do things, lots of people accomplish lots of things and certainly they are not all connected to Jesus. </div>
<div>
To understand this concept, we are going to do a "word" study =) </div>
<div>
Anytime you see the word "word" highlighted, please understand that the emphasis is mine. </div>
<div>
The book of John begins with...</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>John 1:1-5 1 </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>In the beginning was the <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Word</span>, and the <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Word</span> was with God, and the <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Word</span> was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.</i></blockquote>
Jesus is telling his disciples and us that HE is the foundation of life, He is the source of all life and all creation, all accomplishment. The things of this world will wither, they will fade - but the <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Word</span> of God will endure forever. Not one single thing was brought into creation without Jesus direct involvement, and as disciples, we are to live life knowing that not one single thing will be accomplished without Him. <br />
<br />
<i>1Peter 1:22-25<br />22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">word</span> of God which lives and abides forever, 24 because<br /><br />“All flesh is as grass,<br />And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass.<br />The grass withers,<br />And its flower falls away,<br />25 But the word of the Lord endures forever.”<br />Now this is the <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">word</span> which by the gospel was preached to you.</i><br />
<br />
The <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">"Word" </span>in 1 Peter 1:23 and John 1:1 - is the same word which is - Logos, many scholars believe it should be left untranslated as an actual name of God. I highlighted it in purple for this very reason. The <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">WORD</span> is a name. Everything we hope to accomplish can only be accomplished because of and through, Him - the <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Word</span> - Jesus!<br />
<br />
The second "<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">word</span>" 1 Peter 1:25 is rhema - meaning a spoken utterance, a specific word, it can reference a word of law, a definitive word. When it is used in this passage - it means the definitive word of God. God has the final <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">word</span>! This word is also used in Ephesians 6:17<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Ephesians 6:10-18<br />10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.<br />14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">word</span> of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints</blockquote>
God has the final word, it is a specific and definitive word. <br />
<br />
<b>God gives us the power, through his <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Word</span> and his <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">word</span> to meet every challenge that comes our way. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Our power isn't from potatoes. We won't find the answers to the longings of our heart in the things of this world. We can only find them when we plug into the power source for which we were designed. My laptop was not made to run on potatoes, it was designed to operate with a lithium ion battery, we were not made to run on our own, to run to the fleeting things of this world, or even to run to our friends. We love them, but we were not designed <i>for</i> them. We were designed, created, from the foundation of the world, to be <i>for</i> God, grafted into <i>His </i>vine, and we can do nothing, not one thing, apart from Him.<br /><br />Each summer my family takes a break. We take a break from social media, from busyness from almost everything. We literally unplug the computer, the television and we spend time - usually at least a week, but sometimes more, refocusing on the <span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Word.</span> This time of separation from the normal everyday hectic, distracted, living of life - helps us to reset, unwind, and to water roots that grow deep into the Lord and to spend time in His <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">word</span>. We take this time apart to help us remember that apart from Him -we can do not one single thing. It is my desire that each person who reads this blog will also take that time to remember, to unplug from all the distractions, all the potatoes of life, and rediscover the infinite power source we have in Jesus.<br />
<br />
Many Blessings,<br />
AmandaAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06936912689314538881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430083067027063642.post-50014646211638351452017-03-20T20:46:00.000-04:002017-03-20T20:46:24.539-04:00Brownies<div class="tr_bq">
I once had someone offer me some brownies....</div>
<div class="tr_bq">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfgHyu-qGpxMjcSbpmyq57dBKTpCwkd4Zs8XxjLoAjDJsq2eHOWKaskiYQZmVIB31BsARbezyIGX-D02eQNx8y578wWsSs7zQScYMd48qE9OgMpfIAxEdpkPc63PWuYVsFJISN-LvATl1/s1600/browniw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfgHyu-qGpxMjcSbpmyq57dBKTpCwkd4Zs8XxjLoAjDJsq2eHOWKaskiYQZmVIB31BsARbezyIGX-D02eQNx8y578wWsSs7zQScYMd48qE9OgMpfIAxEdpkPc63PWuYVsFJISN-LvATl1/s320/browniw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="tr_bq">
<br /></div>
<br />
They looked really tasty - they smelled delicious -they were still warm from the oven, but before I could have one they said "Let me share the recipe with you." So I patiently waited - longingly staring at what my taste buds desired...mmmm<br />
<br />
They began to describe their brownie making process, and I was only half listening. <br />
<i>First I combine all the dry ingredients, and I use all organic fair trade ingredients, flour, sugar, cocoa, salt, baking powder and I sift them together very carefully. Then in a separate bowl I combine all the wet ingredients, vanilla, eggs, melted butter and then my secret ingedient, two teaspoons of fresh dog poop.... </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>WHAT??!! </b>Surely you don't really include dog poop in your brownies!!<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Yes I most certainly do, and everyone just raves about how good they are. Don't tell me you are one of those judgey "I only talk about what I am against" preachy Christian types! Certainly you won't let a little dog poop offend you!! I mean, can't you just eat the parts you like and leave the rest...</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
It's all mixed up together, how would I leave the poop out?<br />
<br />
<i>You are so easily offended. All of your friends ate my brownies, the farmers market sells my brownies, and no one ever complains because of how good they taste. Frankly, I am surprised at your close mindedness, dog poop is just a part of the world these days.</i><br />
<br />
I really don't think eating dog poop is a good idea, I think I will pass.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>They are really only like 1% dog poop! You sound like your trying to keep some law about not eating dog poop, there is no such law and besides, dog poop is everywhere these days! Your loss! Me and my kids are going to eat these brownies right up!</i><br />
<br />
Is that really safe?<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>How dare you tell me how to make good brownies. How is it your business what I put in my brownies in the first place, or what I feed my kids!</i><br />
<br />
So in all honesty, no one has ever offered me a poop brownie in the literal sense. <br />
<br />
But recently I have been offered several figurative "brownies" and when I pointed out that these things might not be a good idea to partake of, the responses were much the same.<br />
<br />
<br />
1 - <b>It's mostly good, just accept the good and leave the bad</b><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
This is flawed thinking. The fact is that if the good and bad are mixed together it is nearly impossible to separate them.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
1 Corinthians 5: 6-8<br />
6 Your boasting about this is terrible. Don’t you realize that this sin is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough? 7 Get rid of the old “yeast” by removing this wicked person from among you. Then you will be like a fresh batch of dough made without yeast, which is what you really are. Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us. 8 So let us celebrate the festival, not with the old bread of wickedness and evil, but with the new bread of sincerity and truth.</blockquote>
<div>
How do I separate out foul lyrics and sexual topics from secular music for my sons? How do I separate the embrace and celebration of sin throughout a movie? It is not possible to separate these things. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
In another letter Paul also addresses this issue. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Colossians 3<br />
5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.</blockquote>
Here he is even more clear - "Have nothing to do with..." Paul recognizes that it is not possible to embrace and also reject sin. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2 - <b>I don't think there is anything wrong with it and "a lot of people agree with me"</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Imagine those brownies were real, and in fact everyone was eating them and talking about how tasty they were. What would be the result of eating poop? You could contact parasites or hepatitis, or maybe you would be fine. Would you really risk it? Would you offer it to your child? If ingested by accident would you consult a physician afterwards?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1 Corinthians 6:12</div>
<blockquote>
12 You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything.</blockquote>
<div>
If you find yourself consuming something that contains things of the old nature mentioned in Paul's letters. I would strongly suggest you not offer it to your children and you instead consult the physician at once, the Great Physician. But also consider that maybe there is a reason that "a lot of people agree" with what you are doing...</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
2 Timothy 3:1-9<br />
You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!<br />
6 They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires. 7 (Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.) 8 These teachers oppose the truth just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses. They have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith. 9 But they won’t get away with this for long. Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Jannes and Jambres.</blockquote>
<div>
<b>3 - If you don't accept this as we do you are judgmental, close minded, legalistic, preachy...</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think I would call it faithful to the calling and Spirit that I have been given. </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
2 Timothy 3:14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.</blockquote>
<div>
Paul encourages believers to "put on your new nature" and to be renewed as they learn how to become more like Christ.</div>
<blockquote>
Colossians 3:12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.</blockquote>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Being equipped for every good work, having peace in life and in the family, being bound together in love with fellow believers... these things far outshine any temporary happiness achieved from mixing it up with some dog poop brownies.</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The truth of the matter is - I lose nothing by skipping the dog poop brownies of this world.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Why waste perfectly wonderful, organic, fair trade ingredients by mixing them with dog poop? How much more valuable are the ingredients of our new nature, the precious promises we have received, the new spirit that lives within us, than these cooking ingredients. </div>
<div>
This isn't legalism, it's common sense, </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Blessings, </div>
<div>
Amanda</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06936912689314538881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430083067027063642.post-82011853106561613112017-03-12T00:45:00.002-05:002017-03-12T00:45:56.669-05:00Discernment<div class="tr_bq">
It had been raining all week, but for the first time in several days the clouds parted and the pavement was dry. My eldest, licensed for a whole week, sheepishly asked if he could drive home. It had been so hard on him to have his licence and then be told he had to stay put because of the weather. I readily agreed to his request thinking it would allow me to get a few other things accomplished. </div>
<br />
My first thought when the phone rang was that my son should not be calling me and driving, because he hadn't had enough time to get home yet....<br />
"Mom?"<br />
His voice was shaky and he sounded like he was about to cry. He said the van was "stuck" so after discovering he was OK, I asked him to tell me what happened.<br />
<br />
"I was on my way home and I decided to take the gravel road. I was going along and right there by the curve with the farm the stream was up a little bit. It was like, almost over the road, but I thought I could drive through it. I started to drive through it and it was like something grabbed the van! It pulled me away from the road and I gunned it and ended up in the field" <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGz_gV2mxIDTU2SqTkUnlJNatw5WHsspFWamAWG0nHdxuSZ9Pqo26tZMqitj8XUS_8P_lXUgAG1VO3NasmSKi5difmKPriUj5Kte7N7DQnTaetzXst7axLX3859KqGlC3CCiAzVVi9v-uk/s1600/road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGz_gV2mxIDTU2SqTkUnlJNatw5WHsspFWamAWG0nHdxuSZ9Pqo26tZMqitj8XUS_8P_lXUgAG1VO3NasmSKi5difmKPriUj5Kte7N7DQnTaetzXst7axLX3859KqGlC3CCiAzVVi9v-uk/s640/road.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Miraculously, he hadn't ended up in the river but my son learned a valuable lesson that day about discernment.<br />
<br />
Google says discernment is the "ability to judge well" Biblical discernment is the ability to judge well regarding God's truth. As a believer we are called to be discerning..<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
<a href="https://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/1%20Thess%205.21-22">Thessalonians 5:21-22</a>"But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil."</blockquote>
The apostle John issues a similar warning when he says, <div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world" <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/1%20John%204.1">1 John 4:1</a></blockquote>
As a believer we are instructed to be discerning. This applies to every area of our lives. Failure to use discernment in an area of life could lead to serious consequences - consequences that our heavenly Father would like to spare us from. So how do we develop our discernment?<br />
<br />
Step 1 - STUDY<br />
<br />
<a href="https://biblia.com/books/kjv1900" target="_blank"> 2 Timothy 2:15</a> tells us<br />
<blockquote>
"Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."</blockquote>
<div>
I was surprised to learn that "Don't drive though standing water" wasn't covered in Drivers Ed. I <i>believed</i> that because I sent my son to a 10 hour course he would be prepared to drive. This crucial teaching that my son needed to have before driving, was neglected. As a result, he was unprepared for his journey that day! Similar things happen to believers every day. Many churches teach some Biblical truths but avoid touching on anything that might be difficult to understand or upsetting to a member. This leaves members <i>believing</i> they are prepared for life, that they posses discernment, but sometimes severely lacking in Bible knowledge. Then when they wind up "stuck" they can't fathom how this happened. Bible study is the only way I know of to develop Biblical discernment. Study the Bible methodically, reading every book. Study with friends, mentors, pastors, anyone who will study with you. Take online courses, check books out of the library, spend time in God's Word. Seek the Lord as if your life depends on it - because it really does!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Unfortunately, many who call themselves Christians don't study the Bible. This leads to embracing unbiblical teachings, things that you think you heard once ... like "God helps those who help themselves" or "Cleanliness is next to Godliness" or "This too shall pass" clever sayings - but not found in the Bible. These are cute examples, but in practice many Christians can't discern between right and wrong, good and evil. They lack the foundational knowledge of the Bible and because of this they are overly influenced and easily swayed in their decision making by ungodly things in our culture. Bible study, both personally and under the guidance of good teachers is necessary so that we can grow in our knowledge of God. So that </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth" <a href="http://biblehub.com/ephesians/4-14.htm" target="_blank">Ephesians 4:14 </a></blockquote>
</div>
<div>
Discernment is needful in every area of the Christian walk and God's word provides us with the needed discernment about every issue we will encounter. Without it - you might find yourself in a mess.</div>
<div>
Lets think about this in comparison to my son's story. </div>
<div>
<i>"I was on my way home and I decided to take the gravel road."</i> - Because I am an experienced driver, I would not have taken the gravel road after a week of rain because I would anticipate that it could be muddy and washed out. The same holds true for the believer. Experience and discernment tells us that some situations should be avoided altogether to avoid possible pitfalls along the way. Should I counsel someone alone? Should I be solely responsible for the church finances? Probably not - not because there is something wrong with me - but because that road might wash out. </div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i> "I was going along and right there by the curve with the farm the stream was up a little bit. It was like, almost over the road, but I thought I could drive through it."</i> - Discernment identifies warning signs. Several years ago I read a book "When Godly People do Ungodly Things" and I remember thinking it was going to explain a situation in my life where I had been deeply hurt - and it did - just not the way I thought it would. It ended up helping me to identify some pretty serious red flags about this situation that I had missed - and if I had caught them - I could have avoided the whole thing. I lacked discernment, so I learned some lessons the hard way. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>"I started to drive through it and it was like something grabbed the van!"</i> Without discernment, we usually wind up in sin wondering how we got there! It often feels like we were going along and everything was fine until suddenly, out of nowhere, we are in a heap of trouble! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>"It pulled me away from the road and I gunned it and ended up in the field" </i> We end up far afield of where we intended to be, many times afraid, rushing, and scared. Discernment can help us to avoid these feelings, identify sin early, and avoid the snares of the devil. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Some of the greatest insight on this is in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter+1%3A2-11&version=NKJV" target="_blank">2 Peter 1:2-11 </a></div>
<blockquote>
Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.</blockquote>
<div>
<div>
This passage promises us that we have "all things" - meaning everything we need, given to us by God to lead a life of godliness. This can only be accomplished through <b>knowledge of Him</b> - God and Jesus. (Bible study) This knowledge allows us to escape corruption and through diligent study to add MUCH to our faith. These things will ensure that we are fruitful in our knowledge of Jesus Christ. <br />But there is also a warning here. Failure to develop these things is short-sighted, and leads one to forget and fall into the same old sins. We are called to be diligent, developing discernment, so that we will not stumble in this way. A friend of mine defined discernment not as the ability to judge between right and wrong, but as the ability to judge between right and "almost right". What an apt description! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Blessings, </div>
<div>
Amanda</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06936912689314538881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430083067027063642.post-7236563753504763052017-02-21T03:08:00.002-05:002017-02-21T03:19:02.648-05:00Gracious Words<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img alt="Image result for hebrews 3:13" height="425" src="https://achristianpilgrim.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/hebrews-3-13a.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<em style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></em>
<br />
<em style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (<a data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Hebrews 3.13" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Hebrews%203.13" style="text-decoration: none;">Heb. 3:13</a>)</span></em><br />
<i><br /></i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , "geneva" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Each year ELCC has an anonymous online survey for our members. If you ever want to know what someone <i><u>really</u></i> thinks of you, host an anonymous survey. Our survey was, as usual, largely positive but </span></span><span style="background-color: white;">I was especially encouraged by one comment: </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em style="background-color: white;"><br /></em></span>
<span style="color: #252525; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , "geneva" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I want to be clear that ELCC is one of the BEST co-ops I've been part of and I've sampled a NUMBER of co-ops over a number of years and left dissatisfied for all sorts of reasons... I have felt welcomed with open arms in this co-op.... ELCC does so much to foster community and fellowship and it's work that is well worth it and reflects in the great, supportive community that can be found here.... ELCC does so much to help moms at co-op - from the resource library, helping co-op moms in need, meals, prayer support and so much more.... I feel like with the board at ELCC there is a whole group of people actively working to make ELCC the best co-op it can be. And it doesn't feel like the board has a "monopoly" on running things, but that rules are considered and well thought out for everyone's benefit, not just for the benefit of board members. In addition, the board and leadership are highly accessible and always have time to answer questions and address concerns.... I like that ELCC has a nice balance of both kinds of classes so every family can find just what they are missing at home. I love that ELCC builds in opportunities to serve the larger community needs. I love the monthly community lunches where we can spend time breaking shared bread together. I love that high moral standards are adhered to and my child will be largely in a safe environment with a shared value system.... I like that this co-op seems reasonable and flexible about policies and practices, rather than rigid - not strictly following the letter of the law, but instead the spirit of the law. I love that there are so many godly mothers that wholeheartedly serve in this co-op community and it is truly reflected here. I love that so many of the fathers are highly visible at co-op, praise God! There is nothing that warms my heart more than to see fathers committed to this endeavor and being visible week after week. Please thank these faithful, serving men. Their support and visible leadership can only make this co-op even better. I'm thankful for such a dedicated Board that surely works tirelessly behind the scenes to make this co-op exceptional in every possible way. I am also so blessed by such a vision that is cast upon this co-op....Thank you so much! Keep up the good work!</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<em style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></em><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , "geneva" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px;">I was in tears reading this comment. I felt so appreciated, so very loved. I felt like I feel when my kids finally realize it's me whose been cleaning up the house and say "Thank you Mom!" It was gratifying and humbling to receive such high praise. It made me feel valued and appreciated, like "Finally, someone sees what all this is for!" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In studying God's word I am seeing how vital encouragement is, and how it is so important God explicitly tells us to encourage one another!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus is our example in John where he explains to the disciples "in this world you will have trouble" but the very next verse (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/John16.33" target="_blank">John 16:33</a>) He says "Take heart, I have overcome the world!" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Far too often we hear or read something along the lines of "there's trouble" but rarely has the next line been encouraging. More than likely the next line is gossip or bitterness, the exact opposite of encouragement.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The New Testament reveals that encouragement was a regular part of the early church’s life together (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Acts%2013.15">Acts 13:15</a>, <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Acts%2016.40">16:40</a>, <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Acts%2018.27">18:27</a>, <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Acts%2020.1-2">20:1-2</a>, <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Acts%2027.36">27:36</a>). They shared Scripture-saturated words with each other to spur one another on in faith (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Acts%2014.22">Acts 14:22</a>), hope (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Romans%2015.4">Rom. 15:4</a>), unity (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Romans%2015.5">Rom. 15:5</a>; <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Colossians%202.2">Col. 2:2</a>), joy (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Acts%2015.31">Acts 15:31</a>), strength (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Acts%2015.32">Acts 15:32</a>), fruitfulness (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Hebrews%2010.24-25">Heb. 10:24-25</a>), faithfulness (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Thessalonians%202.12">1 Thess. 2:12</a>), perseverance (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Hebrews%2010.25">Heb. 10:25</a>), and the certainty of Christ’s return (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Thessalonians%204.18">1 Thess. 4:18</a>).</span><br />
</span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: #252525; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , "geneva" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #252525; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , "geneva" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div>
<span style="color: #252525; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , "geneva" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Encouragement was, and is, a part of daily life for a believer!</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #252525; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , "geneva" , sans-serif;">
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, how can you become someone who uplifts and encourages? Here are some practical steps</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Stop doing things that are the opposite of encouragement. Stop complaining <a href="http://bible.cbn.com/#!/bible/nlt/50/2/14-14" target="_blank">Philippians 2:14</a> , uproot bitterness (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/Hebrews12.15" target="_blank">Hebrews 12:15</a>) and get rid of gossip (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+16%3A28" target="_blank">Proverbs 16:28</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+4%3A11&version=NIV" target="_blank">James 4:11</a>) (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4%3A29&version=ESV" target="_blank">Eph 4:29</a>) These things damage relationships and make encouragement next to impossible!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Practice a habit of thankfulness and dwelling on God's goodness (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A4-8&version=NIV" target="_blank">Phil 4:4-8</a>) Fill up your heart and mind with these good things so that you can pour them into the lives of others. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Pray that God would create a spirit of encouragement within you, like Barnabas, who was known as "son of encouragement" (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Acts%204.36" target="_blank">Acts 4:36</a>) and look for specific ways to encourage others. Not just "I like your sweater" but sincere encouragement, you can even use scripture in your encouragement!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Encouragement could be a card or note, a handshake or pat on the back, or any number of things. Be creative in your encouragement of each other. Work to create a culture of encouragement where ever you are. (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+5%3A11&version=NIV" target="_blank">1 Thess 5:11</a>)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Make a list of people who serve you and encourage them. Husband/Wife, Pastor, Sunday School Teacher, Volunteers - reach out and encourage the people who make a difference in your every day life. Much of their work is largely sacrificial, take long hours, and often goes unnoticed and unappreciated. I am reminded of Proverbs 14:1 "A wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down" </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope this encourages you today! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings, </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Amanda</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06936912689314538881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430083067027063642.post-30679255966267721032017-01-17T01:58:00.003-05:002017-01-17T01:58:53.187-05:00Can you keep a secret....<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Image result for shhh" height="200" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/shhh_classic_round_sticker-rf417ac8cded94cefb8e886f5bddf66f5_v9waf_8byvr_324.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
"Can you keep a secret?"<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Last spring I was stopped at a gas station on my cell phone when another mom whispered "Can you keep a secret?" I made my kids get out of the car before she whispered through the phone that she was expecting baby number five! I was so happy for her - she explained that while her husband knew and was joyful, their extended family didn't know yet - so could I keep it a secret - just for a little while. I rejoiced in her happy secret and smiling to myself invited my kids to get back in the car. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then a mom asked me to keep a secret about her shy daughter who had a crush - she was so cute and nice - I told mom I would join her prayers for wisdom, and never say a word. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And then last fall a mom had a secret, and she didn't share it, not with me, not with anyone. She knew it was a big problem, she knew she needed help, but she didn't share the secret. And then last week another mom called me with a secret - the same big secret -and I sent my kids from the room and prayed a "Dear Jesus help me" prayer as the whole ugly secret came spilling out and even though no one else knew - God knew the whole time - and then I knew the truth that had been concealed in the fall and the hurt and harm such a concealment had caused. </div>
<div>
<br />
I may love a happy news type of secret - I may keep a "bear my burden in prayer" kind of secret - but then there is the truth that <u>sin loves a secret.</u> And there is a secret that sin doesn't want us to know about secret sin - and I can't keep it a secret!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sin loves a secret because in secret, sin can be justified. In secret, sin can convince you that "it's not that bad" or "that won't really happen." Secretly, Eve ate the apple as the serpent hissed "Surely, you will not die." Sin loves a secret because it can cunningly convince you that it's secret will be kept, that no one will know. </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Luke 8:17 For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.</blockquote>
<div>
Many times secrets are kept out of fear, fear of rejection, fear of sin being known, humiliation... secrets not only fester in the darkness - but they become heavy - so heavy they burden the soul. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It is my prayer that my fellow believers can let go of such fear! </div>
<blockquote>
1 John 4:15-18 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.</blockquote>
Truth says that if I belong to God, He is for me, Christ is in me, and I have no more fear of judgement. I can admit sin, I can overcome sin through Christ's power at work in me, and I - who live in perfect love covered by the blood of Jesus - no longer have to live in fear and shame. Sin doesn't have to be a secret that we keep - for ourselves or for others - because sin loves a secret. In secret, sin can harrass the sinner, berate them, tear them down all day and night - like a sin secret so big it will overwhelm and consume you. But in the light, the secret is less, and I don't need to keep the sin secret - because we are covered by a perfect love that drives out the fear of the sin secret and allows believers to surround the repentant sinner, the brother or sister, with Christ's love and forgiveness.<br />
<br />
And therein is the tension of the gospel! The beautiful messy everyday grace that we all need to uproot the sin secrets in our lives and outwit the cunning snakes that whisper in the night about how we aren't good enough and no one will love us, and life isn't worth living.<br />
<br />
Christ says his load is light - and it's the light that drives away the darkness and it's the lightened load to admit we are all sinners - and then light to love one another in spite of our fallen selves.<br />
<br />
Can you keep a secret? No - the secret is out - Christ has washed away our need for secrets and the only thing we need now is grace and the strength to love each other through all our spilling secrets.<br />
<br />
Sin loves a secret, and fear keeps a secret, but perfect love frees us from all our secrets. Praise God!<br />
<br />
<br />Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06936912689314538881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430083067027063642.post-29216521139113243072016-12-28T02:22:00.001-05:002016-12-28T02:27:11.997-05:00His Strength<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22Ta27u8syYdnoe_XFZD6NZjLCqZ5O-K_FLJqZ_J6I_yGR2Wym7hm_ZTVZvLZnOXoeczMdBwjhZquMWxEGIgh3_TTv6cvcQ6EDJKvcKbW1OfIw5ctt4WT9e5Pw9YscPOcaVTTvlVQJZIe/s1600/candle-in-dark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22Ta27u8syYdnoe_XFZD6NZjLCqZ5O-K_FLJqZ_J6I_yGR2Wym7hm_ZTVZvLZnOXoeczMdBwjhZquMWxEGIgh3_TTv6cvcQ6EDJKvcKbW1OfIw5ctt4WT9e5Pw9YscPOcaVTTvlVQJZIe/s320/candle-in-dark.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
There are times when I am frustrated. October brought news that Drason's college fees would not be paid, certain repairs on our home would not be completed this year. Yet, in November, God provided an unknown scholarship to help him complete his classes. He will graduate Magna Cum Laude in January. Sometimes God speaks to us in a gentle whisper, sometimes a shout, sometimes He expects us to know His will, trust Him, and just keep walking forward. We did and He did the work. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
December brought it's own challenges - for the first time in many years I accepted a job outside of our home. We learned a LOT this month. The Lord revealed to me, again, how beloved I am in His sight. He is my strength and shield. He reminded me of my capacity, ability. He showed me again that in my weakness He is strong and His Glory is what matters. God likes what others call garbage - and uses the weak for his purposes. He also showed me once again that I am able to do all things through Christ who strengthens me, and revealed personal value in a way that, while friends may speak it, it's sometimes easy to see yourself as "just a mom/wife/worker" The JOY of the Lord was my strength. I found joy in a simple, yet physically demanding task, and was able to share that joy with others around me - "Let your light so shine before men that the will see it and glorify your Father in Heaven" I found the opportunity to create community and a spirit of helpfulness and good works in a workplace where I was only there very temporarily. What a blessing!<br />
<br />
In addition we have sought the Lord in how to handle family differences and how to honor the Lord in our holiday celebrations, This year God opened doors with family that had not been opened before, allowing for the opportunity for offence to be removed and for peace to prevail. It was joyous and relaxing!<br />
<br />
At the end of my job I was randomly selected and given a bonus (which was very much needed to meet our financial needs), my supervisors praised me, my husband was proud of my accomplishments. Because God opened the doors to allow us to skip some family things without offence - we were protected from a rather nasty bug that was passed around. We have had all of our needs provided for, our bills paid, and Drason also will receive a bonus for his hard work and dedication. <br />
<br />
These blessings are awesome and I am humbled by them. God is so good to us. His mercies are new each morning, His love is unfailing. Thank you Lord for all you have done for us!<br />
<br />
November 30th my van wound up in a ditch (it was a wet day) and we have been waiting all month to get our vehicle repaired - the insurance company is being rather slow. How can I, in the face of all this, doubt that God will provide for us and give us the repairs or the vehicle that we need. Father God, your strength is made perfect in my weakness, you see value where others see trash. Please help us to overcome this latest hurtle. Thank you for all of your blessings - help us know how to best honor you Lord. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. </div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06936912689314538881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4430083067027063642.post-75748014302138042682016-11-04T00:14:00.002-04:002016-11-04T00:21:35.318-04:00Living Water<div class="MsoNormal">
Some days you wake up on the wrong side of the bed, with no
where near enough sleep and you wonder how you will make it through the day,
how will you keep pouring out when you feel empty. It’s still dark outside – who in their right
mind gets up this early?! Filled with
founts of living water, that rushing stream, it’s He who lets, and really
causes, me to walk and not grow weary, to run and not faint. How is this possible? I am not supermom, I
feel so inadequate to the tasks before me, so much so that I crash back under
the covers before the day even begins…. <br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then… there’s a friend who needs to have a sick day at
home, can I watch the kids? Sure. And another kid whose sister is so pale sick
and hurting, can I give him a ride? How can I not! And there’s these three
cheery faces – can you watch over them too? Mom and brother are sick again,
don’t want to chance it – and in the end I’m watching 9 kids and somehow
everyone eats lunch, and smiles happy, and gets to the end of the day in one
piece. The friend whose hurting, she
needs a minute just to talk it out and I hurt with her, and I can’t fix
it – even though I SO WANT TO FIX IT! So
we spend time pouring out and pouring in – to each other’s lives. Sometimes it’s enough to just sit and listen
and pray clumsy prayers that only God understands. And know that He does understand, and that He has a good plan for all this mess that seems so overwhelming.<br />
<br />
And then there’s a spelling test and another
hour spent patiently repairing sewing machines as giggly girls chit chat and
sew, then reorganizing book shelves, and finding lost copies, and someone’s
books and photos, and more…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before you know it, it’s time for supper and rather I am
celebrating husband’s accomplishments, his honors, with some odd flavored appetizers and waiting to snap a picture of this man who has worked so hard
and is decorated in red tassels holding a plaque as if something so small could
memorialize something so big. This man,
who has worked so hard on so many other days, here he is beside me all day on
this day –what should be “his day” and he helps, he teaches, he chases after
the same Holy things (even though he did sneak away for a nap in the truck)</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
And we go until it’s dark outside and there’s just one thing
we really want to do, and we really should eat dinner, but we’re not so hungry
for food as much as hungry to see our
friends and their son on the 11<sup>th</sup> floor and just tell them we love
them and are praying and try to tease a smile out of their sick boy before we
go. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It isn’t until we get back home, 14
hours later, that I realize how the day
flew, quickly coursing, like a wild <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">river</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename w:st="on">Grace</st1:placename></st1:place>, and all these
things are Grace, and how unworthy am I to be the instrument of even a small
Grace – but there it was – plain and clear and undeniable. How He is making all
things work together for Good – in our lives, through our lives, with our lives
– and it’s a hard Holy thing to say it, even in the face of so much hurt, but
this counting Grace is how we break the hold of the hurt, and make all things
new, flowing, with rivers of Life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcW7ytMK4oe6JNbWT1CcX5tTP4ZTjipmEFq0dceoABSzzzhvXeTCScrNxhXTdRuNrRgJtoFVBOjgdiJH828vfNHyHTQABaRiGPtnADqyk3OCemo1jSHMFzd5QdMKV5ECWnIyIR36VTZeFz/s1600/IMG_9525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcW7ytMK4oe6JNbWT1CcX5tTP4ZTjipmEFq0dceoABSzzzhvXeTCScrNxhXTdRuNrRgJtoFVBOjgdiJH828vfNHyHTQABaRiGPtnADqyk3OCemo1jSHMFzd5QdMKV5ECWnIyIR36VTZeFz/s640/IMG_9525.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
And there's this list that keeps growing - like proof - like a drink of water from the fountain that never runs dry - so I keep counting...<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
68. A husband who is patient with me even when I wake up on
the wrong side of the bed</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
69. Husband who chases Holy things with me</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
70. Attitude reset</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
71. Nine kids =) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
72. Being able to help a friend</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
73. Three minutes in
the driveway and a hug for the sick one</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
74. Time to talk to my friend</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
75. Clumsy prayers</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
76. Testimony</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
77. Eating lunch
together</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
78. Lunch clean up helpers</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
79. spelling test humor</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
80. having a spelling test</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
81. friend to make copies – all the time #Jenisthebesthelper</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
82. books on shelves</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
83. mom’s finding resources</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
84. German =) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
85. note from a friend</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
86. Friends to clean up</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
87. Friends to lock up</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
88. Friends to be responsible</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
89. Plans falling together </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
90. Time with just husband</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
91. Honoring husband</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
92. faith </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
93. healthy kids</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
94. time to visit friends</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
95 seeing kid smile – even for a minute</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
96 dinner out #steaknshakeorpopeyes</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
97. warm shower</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
98 responsible kids at home</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
99 everyone fed</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
100 A whole day to be used for Grace.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06936912689314538881noreply@blogger.com0