tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86983109515070714632024-03-07T20:19:47.797-06:00This PilgrimageAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972398512692028734noreply@blogger.comBlogger298125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698310951507071463.post-47367061410766711312016-11-04T13:52:00.002-05:002016-11-04T13:54:00.866-05:00Joshua Ezra's Unassisted Home Birth<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
I am still smiling about the wonderful, peaceful, unassisted home birth we had twelve days ago. The birth was as calm and laid back as my little cuddle man is. He was apparently in no hurry, waiting until 41 weeks before deciding to mosey into the world. Labor lasted around eight hours, that long only because I slept some of that time. There were no regular contractions that evening (Oct 22) when I hustled the children to bed early but I had *that feeling*. I prepared a strong RRL infusion for myself, drank it down, and retreated to my bedroom. It wasn't long before contractions came; some of them I had to stop and breathe through as I prepared for bed. Sometimes I sat on the birth ball, sometimes I leaned on the bed, or got on all fours. I felt the position of the baby, that he was head-down. (Just a few days prior I'd felt a tiny foot down in my pelvis, and had prepared myself for a breech birth, just in case. No fear, just prep. Yah knows how baby needs to be born.)</div>
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I got into the birth pool around midnight when contractions were getting serious. They still weren't really consistent, but they were obviously effective. I was taking a swig of liquid Cal-Mag about every hour, when I remembered. The warm water in the birth pool was so soothing, but it seemed to slow down labor at that point so I didn't stay in long. I crawled into bed with Hubby, and slept until 3:30 a.m., when I was awakened by another really good rush! Back into the pool for a while, and I needed counter-pressure on my lower back for those contractions, and I was moaning through them. Hubs made note of the "good birth sounds" and we knew I would go through the "transition" stage soon.</div>
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I love/hate the transition stage.</div>
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Around 4:20 a.m. I got out of the water for a potty break, then I wanted the shower. Hot water is so amazing during labor! I was trembling, and my teeth were chattering. As I stood in the shower, I checked to see if I could feel the baby's head descending, and YES, I could feel the bag of waters bulging! At 4:46 my water broke at last, oh heavenly relief of pressure! Twelve minutes and a few contractions later he was crowning, and I breathed the head out, then gave a little push for the shoulders. Right at 5 a.m. baby was born. A boy! HalleluYAH!</div>
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He cried right away, and started pinking up as I held him. He didn't need any kind of suctioning of the nose or mouth. He opened his eyes, and the brightness of the bathroom was too much. (Forgot to dim the lights..) I sat down in the tub as Hubs ran some fresh warm water for us to bathe in. Baby latched on for a short nurse 20 minutes after birth, and our eldest daughter joined us in the bathroom to assist me and hold the baby in towels while I birthed the placenta.</div>
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I pushed the placenta out about forty minutes after the birth, but it was not completely letting go, so I held it there until it came loose on its own. It looked complete. Hubs carried the baby and placenta bowl to our bed to cut the cord and dress him while I cleaned up. Then he and our daughter helped get me dressed and settled into bed.</div>
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I'm counting my blessings, and one of them is that I am able to have our babies at home this way, with no interventions, no hurrying, no strangers around. Another is that my husband is so attentive and encouraging when I'm in labor; I can't imagine delivering a baby without him. Another is that Yah enabled me to give birth to ten children. (TEN. I can hardly believe it!!) Another is the wisdom I've gleaned from other women, which helped me to be better prepared for postpartum care, so that I'm not just surviving, not just making it, but doing WELL. I'm grateful. My Abba is so good to me!</div>
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My "snuggle man" weighed 9 lb 1 oz, and measured 21" long. He was born on the seventh day of Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles), something I had anticipated from the time we first learned I was pregnant! He was circumcised on his eighth day. His name is Joshua Ezra, Yehovah is Salvation and He is my Help. We praise Father for this beautiful gift!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972398512692028734noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698310951507071463.post-65034767936388995602016-07-02T17:49:00.004-05:002016-07-02T18:11:49.086-05:00Do we have to follow the Shepherd, or not?When I was growing up, the "Sermon on the Mount", recorded in Matthew chapters 5 through 7 was considered to be something of a manifesto of the Christian life, an outline of how the disciples of Jesus ought to live and walk as we follow Him. This discourse from the mouth of the Lord Jesus includes the well-known "beatitudes", the "salt and light" teaching, His revelations about adultery and divorce, how to give alms, how to pray and fast, the narrow vs the wide gate, and the wise man who built his house upon a rock, among other very familiar and beloved teachings!<br />
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It is troubling to learn now, as an adult, that some Christians believe and teach that this passage was not even written to the majority of the body of Christ. They say it was not written to "gentile" believers, but Jewish. What?? I'm afraid that modern Christians have gotten so full of religious ideas that they've forgotten the fine art of listening to the Shepherd, and obeying His voice.<br />
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I still believe that the sermon of Jesus recorded in Matthew 5-7 is just as much ours as the Great Commission recorded in chapter 28 is. He said:<br />
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"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you..."<br />
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Does anyone doubt that the Great Commission is given to the entire body of believers, even today? Is it not the responsibility of the gentile church to go to the nations to teach them the good news of the gospel, baptize them, and teach/disciple them in "<u>all things whatsoever I [Jesus] have commanded you</u>"? Two important things jump out at me.<br />
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1) The people present when He gave the "Great Commission" were also all Jewish Believers, just as were those who heard Him on the Mount of Olives. Would these modern believers who deny the Sermon on the Mount was written to us, also deny the Great Commission was written to us? Same audience. (Matthew 5:1-2; and 28:16) Also...<br />
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2) Part of the Great Commission states that we are to teach new believers all the things Jesus commanded. That would include all the things given at the Sermon on the Mount. Correct?<br />
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Now, here is the problem some modern believers have with the Sermon on the Mount, and why they insist that it was written specifically to Jewish believers, excluding gentile believers. They do not want all of it to apply to them. They especially do not like the part where Jesus said,<br />
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17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.<br />
18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.<br />
19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.<br />
20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. </blockquote>
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This is just as much ours as the part about salt and light, and blessed are the meek, and when thou prayest enter into thy closet, and seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.</div>
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Could it be that to our Messiah, there is no difference between the Jew and the Gentile who are in Him? (Colossians 3:11) Could it be that we gentiles were grafted in to the same "good olive tree"? (Romans 11:19-24) Could it be that we become adopted into the same family, the seed of Abraham, by faith? (Galatians 3:16)</div>
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Could it be that we who get to inherit the Kingdom (co-heirs with Christ), also inherit the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises? (Romans 9:4)</div>
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Or is it that, though we gentiles are grafted in, we somehow have nothing to do with the commandments given to our adopted brothers, that we are outsiders? Are we grafted ones to be treated differently than the natural branches? Does this agree with what Jesus (and Paul) taught? Not at all. We are treated as sons and daughters, with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of the natural-born sons and daughters. </div>
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All too many Christians are happy to acknowledge that we are co-heirs with Christ, destined to rule and reign with Him, but without owning the responsibility to obey what He said to do once we are in Him. To answer the title question, no, we do not have to follow the Shepherd. <i>*sigh*</i> No, we do not <u>have</u> to, not in order to be saved. But we ought to, <i>because</i> we are saved. And it is a joy to do it! Obedience brings His greatest blessings, both in this life, and in the Kingdom to come.</div>
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Be blessed!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972398512692028734noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698310951507071463.post-84683837303747602912016-05-21T19:25:00.001-05:002016-05-21T19:25:34.209-05:00Rest for your SoulsMy Father has loved on me so much today, that I've just got to share a little bit that's spilling over the brim of my full cup. If you are like me, there are days when life and all its details can overwhelm your soul. You know you need to get away. You know you need a break. Perhaps it escapes you how you will ever be able to stop and catch your breath. You need r.e.s.t... physically, spiritually, or both.<br />
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I have good news.<br />
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You can find rest for your soul.<br />
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Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the <u>old paths</u>, where is the <i>good way</i>, and walk therein, and ye shall find <u>rest for your souls</u>. (the Prophet Jeremiah 6:16)</blockquote>
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When the Messiah, Jesus, walked the earth teaching the people His ways, He made reference to the old prophet's words:<br /><br />
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Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take <i>my yoke</i> upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find <u>rest unto your souls</u>. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)</blockquote>
To whom did Jesus apply the words of the prophet? To those who were heavy laden, and He invited them to rest. Then, He says He is the Lord of the sabbath (Matthew chapter 12), and compels the people to leave off all the traditional trappings and burdensome add-ons to the Father's instructions. He completely smashed the Pharisees' false teachings which had made the sabbath difficult and burdensome to keep, instead of it being a gift for man.<br />
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In other words, He compelled the people to return to the <u>old paths</u>; to do it the way the Father intended. Because there is the "good way". Walk in it, and you shall find rest for your soul.<br />
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May you be blessed!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972398512692028734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698310951507071463.post-43704811470200267902016-04-21T22:31:00.000-05:002016-04-21T22:31:31.181-05:00At home.I've spent an hour or more this evening, looking over this blog and other blogs I've attempted to start, but just couldn't stay excited about. As much as I wanted a fresh start and a fresh look, I keep coming back to This Pilgrimage, and I realize it feels like my online home, if that makes sense. Motherhood, ministry, multitasking and mayhem may keep me from writing very often, but when I am able to squeeze in a few moments to organize my thoughts and arrange them into a blog post, there seems to be no place like This Pilgrimage to put them. <br /><br />So I think I'll just stay on This Pilgrimage I've been on for several years, until God leads me Home!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972398512692028734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698310951507071463.post-54232341744489837822013-09-16T11:36:00.001-05:002013-09-16T11:59:00.444-05:00Seven Reasons Why a Christian would keep the Biblical Feasts"Concerning the feasts of the LORD..." The word translated "feasts" is from the Hebrew word /moed/ which means "appointment, a fixed time or season; specifically a festival...".<br />
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These last few years we have been learning about the Feasts of the Lord, and keeping them the best we know how. Some of my friends have asked me about it, wondering why we would have any interest in keeping "Jewish feasts". I woke up this morning thinking on that question, and decided to write this post sharing with you seven good reasons to keep the biblical feasts.<br />
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1. They are the Feasts of our LORD.<br />
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Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the <b>feasts of the LORD</b>, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are <b>my feasts</b>. {Lev 23:2}</blockquote>
In the minds of most of us, they are Jewish. By the time of the New Testament they were sometimes referred to as feasts of the Jews. That is because throughout history, it is the Jews (even if just a remnant) who have faithfully kept them from year to year, though they may not have understood their full significance and fulfillment. But from the beginning, the feasts are appointments set by God, special times to meet with Him, from which He did not exclude "strangers" (Lev 19:34; Num 9:14). They are His appointed times, and we who are His may keep His feasts!<br />
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2. Creation itself was set up for them.<br />
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And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons /moed-im/, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. {Gen 1:14-15}</blockquote>
The Appointed Times were not a new idea in the mind of God when Israel left Egypt and congregated in the wilderness. They were in His heart from the beginning, and were part of the purpose for creating the heavenly bodies. When we look up at the night sky and thank Him for creating these beautiful lesser lights to light the night, we are only acknowledging part of His purpose. They were also created to be for signs and for His seasons (moed-im, appointed times).<br />
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3. The Biblical Feasts are all pictures of Jesus Christ, our Messiah.<br />
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For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me {Jesus}: for he wrote of me. {John 5:46}</blockquote>
The more we study the Feasts, the clearer the beautiful picture of Christ comes into view. It reveals more of His heart and His character to us! They are all about HIM. Why wouldn't I keep them, then?<br />
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4. The Biblical Feasts are not all "fulfilled" yet.<br />
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For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. {Matt 5:18}</blockquote>
The Spring Feasts picture events that have been fulfilled with Messiah's first coming: Passover and Unleavened Bread (His death and burial), First Fruits (His resurrection; He is the First Fruits, and we will follow in the Resurrection), and Feast of Weeks/Pentecost (He sent the Holy Spirit). But the Fall Feasts have yet to be fulfilled: Feast of Trumpets (His second coming), Day of Atonement (That Great Day, final redemption), and Tabernacles (when He will dwell/tabernacle among us in the Kingdom). We are still looking forward to these prophesied events. The Biblical Feasts are still relevant at least until these events come to pass.<br />
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5. So that we won't be in the dark about Messiah's return.<br />
Read this carefully:<br />
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1 But of the times and the seasons {Greek /kairos/: occasions, set times, akin to Hebrew /moed-im/}, brethren, <b>ye have no need that I write unto you</b>.<br />
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the Day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.<br />
3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.<br />
4 <b>But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.</b><br />
5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.<br />
6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. {1 Thes 5:1-6}</blockquote>
Why did Paul not have any need to write to them about the times and seasons? Because they already knew all about them, and were keeping them as Paul did. From this and other passages we see that Messiah will come as a thief in the night to those who are NOT watching, and who are NOT walking in the Light of God's Word, which reveals His times, seasons, appointments.<br />
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6. Keeping the Feasts of the LORD shows that we are a faithful Bride, prepared and waiting for our Bridegroom.<br />
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{Matt 25} Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish...</blockquote>
In this parable there are five wise virgins and five foolish ones, who went to meet the Bridegroom. The five foolish ones were not prepared for His coming, but the five wise ones were prepared with oil to spare. At the end of the parable we see this same admonition used later by Paul: WATCH.<br />
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7. The Feasts are remembrances of what He has done, and rehearsals for what is to come.<br />
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Looking back, we remember His death with Passover, His glorious resurrection with First Fruits. Looking forward, in the Millennial Reign of Christ the first event we see taking place is the Feast of Tabernacles, which is a picture of the great wedding feast of the Bridegroom and His Bride! It will take place every year for a thousand years as a commemoration, like a wedding anniversary.<br />
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And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. {Zec 14:16}</blockquote>
Most of us had a wedding rehearsal before our actual wedding date. Shall we rehearse the Greatest Wedding in the Universe? <br />
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I have found it a joy to do so!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972398512692028734noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698310951507071463.post-52589677941867119002013-06-11T07:47:00.000-05:002013-06-11T08:14:30.649-05:00On Tomatoes and Children<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This morning I woke up thinking about children. In the Bible, children are sometimes likened to tender young plants, and I thought of the tiny tomato plants we recently potted. Not all of them stood up straight at first; they needed to be planted into good soil, gently watered, and trained with a gentle and patient hand. With that kind of care, their little stems gained strength, their leaves stretched toward heaven, their roots went deeper into nourishing soil, and they've grown into strong plants and are even beginning to bear fruit.<br />
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I thought about how silly it would have been to yell at those tiny plants for being so flimsy, or to impatiently stick them into the soil, or worse, toss them onto the soil and throw up our hands hopelessly, saying these plants will never amount to anything. That's ridiculous. No one would do that with a tiny tomato seedling. Yet people do that with their children.<br />
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And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. {Ephesians 6:4}</blockquote>
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What does it mean to "bring them up"? The Greek word is /ektrephō/, which means "to rear up to maturity, that is, (generally) to cherish or train: - bring up, nourish". Cherish. Train. Nourish. These speak of meeting needs, and children have a lot of needs.<br />
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We must cherish them to meet their emotional needs.<br />
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We must train them to meet their spiritual needs.<br />
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We must nourish them to meet their physical needs.<br />
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How can children grow up right, if their needs are not met? How can they learn to be kind to others, if they are not treated with kindness as they grow? How can they learn to tolerate others' shortcomings, if they are not allowed the the same grace? How can they learn to do a job well, if they are never given opportunities to try, to fail in a safe environment, to build confidence, and then to succeed?<br />
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When parents provide the secure, loving, nourishing environment that little ones need, they can grow up to maturity and produce the good fruit that we long to see.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972398512692028734noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698310951507071463.post-50913003084143553632013-02-16T19:10:00.000-06:002013-02-16T19:15:45.463-06:00Stuck at the Gate?<br />
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Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the <b>gate</b>, and narrow is the <b>way</b>, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (Matthew 7:13-14)</blockquote>
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Have you accepted Jesus as your Saviour, and think that's all you need to do? Is God happy with you sitting on your salvation, hoping to cruise right through the pearly gates to your eternal reward, even if it's just a cabin in the corner of glory? Then you are missing something very important in Scripture.<br />
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Jesus said that He is the <b>Way</b>. This tells of a journey, the road or means of getting somewhere. Jesus walked the Way perfectly, and we are to carefully observe what He did, then do it. First John 2:6 "He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked."<br />
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Jesus said that He is the <b>Truth</b>. Funny thing about the Truth is that it does not change. There's not "my way" and "your way", and we're all okay. Jesus IS the Truth, the living Word of God (John 1). Psalm 119:142 "Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and <u>thy law is the truth</u>." If you are not walking in this Truth, you are not walking with Jesus. At all. Period.<br />
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Jesus said that He is the <b>Life</b>. There is no life outside of Him. If He is not living in you and through you, then you are like a dead branch. Jesus is not your crutch to get into heaven, He is a way of Life.<br />
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You say that you are a Christian. Believers were first called Christians (little Christs) because their life, their speech, their way of living testified of Whose they were. Others in the world identified them as Christians. Would others identify you as a "little Christ"?<br />
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I'm glad that you have entered in through the Gate, which is Jesus. But realize that there is the Way (which is also Jesus). It starts just inside the Gate. Start walking in it!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972398512692028734noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698310951507071463.post-74213345195694764232013-01-29T16:36:00.001-06:002013-01-29T16:36:57.034-06:00Time with our Children is Precious'pre-cious: (adj.) <span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16.666667938232422px;">(of an object, substance, or resource) Of great value; not to be wasted or treated carelessly.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16.666667938232422px;">I saw the saddest story in the news today. A little four-month-old baby boy passed away in his sleep. We hear about these things happening from time to time, and don't always stop to ponder the grief of the mother, the father, the family of the little one. But this story struck an even deeper, sadder chord with me. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16.666667938232422px;">This baby died in a daycare facility.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16.666667938232422px;">Now, infant deaths do occur, many times for unknown causes, and pretty much anywhere, whether the child happens to be at home, with grandma, on vacation with the family... But the saddest of sad, to me, is that this one died among strangers. His mommy wasn't the last one to hold him, feed him, rock him to sleep. That sad thought is overwhelming. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16.666667938232422px;">I do not mean to criticize this poor mother at all, because I do not know her reasons for leaving him there. But, to me, it is worth any sacrifice it takes to make the most of our time raising our babies, especially since we do not know how much (or how little) time we have.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16.666667938232422px;">Are any of us guaranteed another embrace? Of course not. Therefore our time with our children is very, very precious. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16.666667938232422px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972398512692028734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698310951507071463.post-18961659905948044792013-01-22T11:28:00.000-06:002013-01-22T11:28:30.366-06:00Those Pesky ZealotsWe've all probably come across one of them. It's the person who is always excited about something, and they can go on and on about it if anyone gets them started. They know what they love, and it spills over into every aspect of their life. There is no doubting what they are about; they are zealous about their love, and everyone knows it. Sometimes the things they say might cause everyone in the room to roll their eyes, but only if the people in the room do not share or at least understand their passion. A psalmist said, <br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful. My ZEAL hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.</blockquote>
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Now, this guy Mr. Zeal takes God's Word seriously. He would not be welcome at any typical party. He may not even be welcome at the typical church! He has found God's Word to be righteous and very faithful. What does that drive him to do? Not only guard it, hear and heed it, but also to tell others! His zeal consumes him, and he can't stand it that others are oblivious to its wonderful, life-giving, eye-opening Truth. He will likely share things he has learned (whether solicited or not), warn others of their sin and the consequences of it. He will never be one of the "cool" crowd. He is not knowledgeable of worldly trends, t.v. shows and movies; he has neither time nor patience for any of that, and he is sure that those things will amount to dung in eternity. He is consumed with one thing: Loving the LORD with everything he has.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5)</blockquote>
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Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." To love Him is to keep His commandments. Therefore, the above verse from Deuteronomy may be read:<br />
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Thou shalt {keep My commandments} with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.<br />
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Mr. Zeal may be uncool. But he may just be right on.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972398512692028734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698310951507071463.post-71147051985701878972013-01-15T18:05:00.002-06:002013-01-15T23:24:50.008-06:00My (Healthy) Beauty SecretsIt's no secret that most commercial skin care and beauty products are full of unpronounceable chemicals. In just a matter of seconds after application, those chemicals are absorbed into the bloodstream. Over time they can contribute to <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/038604_phthalates_cosmetics_hormone_disruption.html">hormonal problems</a> and other health issues. I've made it my goal to eliminate as many of them as possible from my skin care regimen. Here are some of the things I use instead.<br />
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<b>Baking Soda.</b> I use this for so many things! I keep a small cup of b/s in my shower and use it to wash my hair about twice a week. It has a mild exfoliating effect, so sometimes I use a tiny amount to wash my face. (I have slightly oily skin. Those with dry skin should probably not use b/s on their skin.) Occasionally I use baking soda for brushing my teeth, but it has a strong flavor. (There are plenty of good recipes online for homemade toothpaste, which are better tasting, but I don't always take the time to make toothpaste.) I also use baking soda to make my own deodorant.<br />
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<b>Apple Cider Vinegar.</b> This is also kept in my shower, diluted in a plastic squirt bottle. ACV is an excellent hair conditioner, to use after rinsing out all the baking soda. Sometimes I put it on a cotton ball and swipe it over my face to refresh my skin after washing. It's good for skin and nail fungus, and taking it internally is good for the complexion.<br />
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<b>Hydrogen Peroxide.</b> This is the alternative for commercial toothpaste that I use most often. I have some in a small spray bottle, so I can spray it onto my toothbrush and directly onto my teeth, then brush. It whitens the teeth over time. (In fact, most if not all of those expensive tooth whitening systems are made with hydrogen peroxide.)<br />
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<b>Banana Peels.</b> Yes, banana peels. They are full of nutrients that are good for the skin! I cut a large piece off the peel and rub the inside all over my face until the chalky-looking white stuff is gone. I leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse off with warm water. It makes a nice mask that firms up the skin, and I've noticed that it clears up blemishes quickly. It leaves my skin feeling very soft and not over-dry.<br />
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<b>Essential Oils and Healthy Carrier Oils. </b>I'm learning how to use essential oils for health care, but beyond that they make some really nice custom fragrances! I use Sweet Almond Oil, Sesame, or Olive Oil for carrier oils (because that's what I have), and add drops of different e/o's until I have a scent I like. Sometimes I use this to moisturize dry spots like my hands and elbows, but it's too, well - oily - for use all over. Thus the next beauty secret...<br />
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<b>Healthy Moisturizers.</b> First of all, I reduce the need for lotion by avoiding the overuse of soap in the shower. (I've found that using just warm water and a bath pouf gets me very clean without drying out my skin. I only use soap where it's necessary.) But I do need lotion sometimes, facial moisturizer every day. The stuff I buy is as basic as possible. Right now I'm using a nice lotion I bought in the States, called "<a href="http://www.vitacost.com/productResults.aspx?NttSR=1&ss=1&x=0&y=0&ntk=products&Ntt=everyday%20shea">Everyday Shea</a>". For my face, I have a homemade moisturizer from <a href="http://www.generationcedar.com/main/our-products/homemade-skin-products">Generation Cedar</a>. Occasionally I might use a commercial lotion I was given, but it's not the norm for me.<br />
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So there are my own healthy beauty secrets. What about yours?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972398512692028734noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698310951507071463.post-63637946005629981472012-11-17T13:22:00.000-06:002012-11-17T13:22:20.516-06:00Nothing like a nice walk in a grassy field under a cloudless blue sky to clear the mind!
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Life can get so complicated, so crowded. It's easy to lose sight of what is important. Standing outside, getting myself back into the context of God's creation, among other amazing things He designed, I remember it. My main purpose, what He put me here on earth to do.<br /><br />
Love.<br /><br />
"Love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.."<br /><br />
And, "Love your neighbor as yourself."<br /><br />
All the rest is commentary.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972398512692028734noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698310951507071463.post-46623965386642462072012-09-30T20:50:00.001-05:002012-09-30T20:52:41.815-05:00Merry Sukkot!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKqeXAYvYiDyyi9y0UmmLJKecoTwN9qnjzggvSzf8Q17_X8tbkFi5RF3y98TRiKHOVgxH019-cqr7t3GOk1YMXwrjVgL89sSNiyaWCVRCpoC-GmSZ-n-8R_afjS6UJRrOwsZs3bqQQFQ1/s1600/sukkah+scene.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="209" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKqeXAYvYiDyyi9y0UmmLJKecoTwN9qnjzggvSzf8Q17_X8tbkFi5RF3y98TRiKHOVgxH019-cqr7t3GOk1YMXwrjVgL89sSNiyaWCVRCpoC-GmSZ-n-8R_afjS6UJRrOwsZs3bqQQFQ1/s320/sukkah+scene.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br />Sukkot is the Feast of the Lord which is also known as the Feast of Tabernacles (or Booths). According to Leviticus 23:33-43, it is to be a week long celebration of God's provision and a remembrance of how He brought us out of Egypt, and came down to "tabernacle" among us.
<br /><br />When Jesus was born during this Feast, He fulfilled it. Remember He is the Word made flesh, who came down and "dwelt" among us? That word "dwelt" means He pitched His tent among us! HalleluYah!
<br /><br />But that is not all that this Feast rehearses. By keeping it, we not only look back to when He descended on Mt. Sinai to give us His Word, and when He descended and took on a fleshly "tent" to show us how to obey His Word, but we are looking FORWARD to when He will come down to earth again to tabernacle with us, establishing His Kingdom on earth!
<blockquote>Rev 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Rev 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. </blockquote>
<br /><br />If you would like to learn more about the Feast of Tabernacles, check out the following links:
<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hq86v1hKS78">Short Introductory Video</a>
<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXwUk5Y7z70">Feast of Tabernacles/Booths</a>
<br /><br />This is a short video showing how we know when Jesus was born:
<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3w3MNZQXlrs">The Birth of Messiah</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972398512692028734noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698310951507071463.post-11045567553478021812012-09-29T18:52:00.001-05:002012-09-29T19:54:32.989-05:00Home Birth in Guatemala<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7c5FK0__uI9sBNAPR9wnP977ppdy_dX_wCd42mcxVfkzBuEhB1mWOpF_n9jodUf7BRCGtg48YpcCQTCEJSQn0X_fvEGBQ9c9RaNYBpkV7DbFsoScxNd98TXpc9mAdLscvqkt-jX5i0S9/s1600/DSCN2032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7c5FK0__uI9sBNAPR9wnP977ppdy_dX_wCd42mcxVfkzBuEhB1mWOpF_n9jodUf7BRCGtg48YpcCQTCEJSQn0X_fvEGBQ9c9RaNYBpkV7DbFsoScxNd98TXpc9mAdLscvqkt-jX5i0S9/s320/DSCN2032.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><br />Isn't this beautiful?<br /><br />I was so privileged and blessed to be invited to be a part of it. This is my new friend, Iris, who gave birth to her firstborn child, eight pounds of BOY. The proud papa was there, supporting his wife through her labour and delivery.<br /><br />I love it!
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972398512692028734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698310951507071463.post-25736409478040492252012-07-21T19:51:00.001-05:002012-09-29T19:55:30.269-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Mf7mePpRsE5dIQ-r5iGKbrcJ-tjGmHzU1ZTYEXb7Jb8q2CaIqS8qIFrQSJRDYqWvMlTgElYjiETfyjvUsz958A9UIdMAsQ1clSICohVJ2P5h150v8QmKD2c6Y1MoeY-opjOxjoZJfTcX/s1600/walk+in+obedience.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Mf7mePpRsE5dIQ-r5iGKbrcJ-tjGmHzU1ZTYEXb7Jb8q2CaIqS8qIFrQSJRDYqWvMlTgElYjiETfyjvUsz958A9UIdMAsQ1clSICohVJ2P5h150v8QmKD2c6Y1MoeY-opjOxjoZJfTcX/s320/walk+in+obedience.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><br />"Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD." ~ There have always been blessings for those who walk in obedience to His law, and curses for those who do not.
<br /><br />The tactic of the enemy is to cast doubt upon the Word of YHVH. "Yea, hath God said?" Did He really mean THAT? Surely it doesn't apply to YOU.
<br /><br />In the Garden of Eden, they blew it. In the Millennium, what is the first thing God will do? "He will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem." (Isaiah 2)
<br /><br />Time is short. It's time to come into obedience to the covenant we entered into with God, sealed by the blood of His Son Yeshua/Jesus.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972398512692028734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698310951507071463.post-22518528758378303132012-07-13T23:35:00.001-05:002012-09-29T19:56:42.756-05:00I can love.I can love the person who is difficult to love. How can I do that? Because love doesn't depend on how I feel. Love is a decision I make, to prefer another above myself, to be like my Father Who defines love.
<br /><br />If I do not love when someone is rude, or critical, or churlish, then my love is conditional, and is not like His. True love shines brightest when it is hardest to love.
<br /><br />Love bears and forebears. Love forgives. Love breaks down the barriers that pride builds. Love changes things, changes people.
<br /><br />I can love others who are difficult to love because... HE loves me.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972398512692028734noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698310951507071463.post-19366257880302805522012-07-05T13:39:00.000-05:002012-09-29T19:57:25.265-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_CCq2j2_1sdACFdp1B6SrkQWaVpD5T780wQcfO8UlDGpKG9rV2X808p3e2q5WcfniuxAIMh8fhpQwYJhYJ6PdC3hYL1K6aU2pRNWkXTjn9e5H88QFuDzEN7flAnD96vIXCOfffsyDoDs/s1600/tammys+foot+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_CCq2j2_1sdACFdp1B6SrkQWaVpD5T780wQcfO8UlDGpKG9rV2X808p3e2q5WcfniuxAIMh8fhpQwYJhYJ6PdC3hYL1K6aU2pRNWkXTjn9e5H88QFuDzEN7flAnD96vIXCOfffsyDoDs/s320/tammys+foot+cropped.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><br />Stopping in to update! My foot's been in a cast for about three months now. We will be going in to have it removed this week or next, then will begin rehabilitation.
<br /><br />It's been difficult for this mom of eight, hobbling about on crutches or in a wheelchair, but God has been so good. My family has blessed me, especially my older girls, pitching in and doing the things Mom could no longer do. But I am certainly ready to be able to walk again.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972398512692028734noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698310951507071463.post-91305915968500278002012-02-29T10:00:00.006-06:002012-02-29T11:29:29.431-06:00Homecoming<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmG8pRGkK8EMouOK0So-eiRi7si7mBRMXUrrXWBjKNhv0dNwNS-WLC79DYBoFl1_4RqzXiTVLk-hJSeMC5ojVxmeVkT8lsYqYDCl3nHauMcj83OHNGehYcT5B6cqv8MgAEswJK6JBdIzV/s1600/DaddynNette.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 277px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmG8pRGkK8EMouOK0So-eiRi7si7mBRMXUrrXWBjKNhv0dNwNS-WLC79DYBoFl1_4RqzXiTVLk-hJSeMC5ojVxmeVkT8lsYqYDCl3nHauMcj83OHNGehYcT5B6cqv8MgAEswJK6JBdIzV/s320/DaddynNette.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714610539219495282" /></a><br />My Beloved is home. After seven long weeks in Texas, he is back with us in Guatemala! I had just put the children to bed last night when he came, so of course they jumped up to go hug their Dad. He lay on one of the beds, and they crawled all over him. It's so wonderful to have him home again. :)<br /><br />This is the longest I've ever been separated from my husband. I am so thankful for God's help and special protection during our time of separation, but I hope we never have to do this again.<br /><br />Hats off to you single parents and spouses of military personnel! I don't know how you do it for months on end.<br /><br />Among the many treasures my hunny brought home to us, one of them was a camera for me. I am so excited to finally be able to post pictures on my blog again! Here are some photos of the Eagle's Nest, where we stayed last night and are playing today.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLLPrU2cNSfvQIJ6aNjeOB6LUqWHLMcdqe1OzbNOmHMcpKHq7d4LNqWS0nu7v__bcABAPhTVjxQrhkWFn-GviVr_lVg70XfdZpfSqXsBCN7Z1Q0y8OLwcauvJSPcPmscGV2eyuZhv_xeA/s1600/fromlivingroom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLLPrU2cNSfvQIJ6aNjeOB6LUqWHLMcdqe1OzbNOmHMcpKHq7d4LNqWS0nu7v__bcABAPhTVjxQrhkWFn-GviVr_lVg70XfdZpfSqXsBCN7Z1Q0y8OLwcauvJSPcPmscGV2eyuZhv_xeA/s320/fromlivingroom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714610198755704898" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquap2k2ApmzTIUIR5dE_EON69hQ9Y9JLvp1Xq_ZoUB5ATQ2kCHrPUZpCmBvG5HQhTsmnb_DEZRr2loxV-3nUM8Dp9VfFca9fzcRO6T_nmTEYcFo_dpJrL7efRQ-Iqp12BbyBOTfF9XvTg/s1600/balconyview.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquap2k2ApmzTIUIR5dE_EON69hQ9Y9JLvp1Xq_ZoUB5ATQ2kCHrPUZpCmBvG5HQhTsmnb_DEZRr2loxV-3nUM8Dp9VfFca9fzcRO6T_nmTEYcFo_dpJrL7efRQ-Iqp12BbyBOTfF9XvTg/s320/balconyview.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714610193489775570" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCEeDXiX8Uo5aoEcAFnKQWhINQvWuXVsg3YOfWR_1vj74n5a01K-VWNEZB4RBNp25Ch8DRdB4rZtrwEwY6NllgrPHFFbVu-PK-P0rgFuCiXiCMi081L7fFNv7I_gQuoJ7LX4wclKiw6Ch/s1600/pool.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCEeDXiX8Uo5aoEcAFnKQWhINQvWuXVsg3YOfWR_1vj74n5a01K-VWNEZB4RBNp25Ch8DRdB4rZtrwEwY6NllgrPHFFbVu-PK-P0rgFuCiXiCMi081L7fFNv7I_gQuoJ7LX4wclKiw6Ch/s320/pool.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714610535185807970" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972398512692028734noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698310951507071463.post-64081396707596255772012-02-07T07:58:00.006-06:002012-02-07T10:32:28.343-06:00Long overdue Birth StoryOur sweet little Jayne Moriah was born Wednesday, November 23, at 12:58 a.m. She weighed about nine pounds and measured 20.5 inches long.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhH3ydDF1MrkCAsf_lka2UBmghRKf7URqXNgvqi-J2fHC1HEzjiPbat-9TpzI6m0Q0yuGz41bSUaLKB8z0a88eaHAI8VoabLuyIKRiNfurR1lk2hwPHYiaS17OSyc0xoBovWsfwrKmAB5R/s1600/IMG_3445.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhH3ydDF1MrkCAsf_lka2UBmghRKf7URqXNgvqi-J2fHC1HEzjiPbat-9TpzI6m0Q0yuGz41bSUaLKB8z0a88eaHAI8VoabLuyIKRiNfurR1lk2hwPHYiaS17OSyc0xoBovWsfwrKmAB5R/s320/IMG_3445.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706424561362528290" /></a><br />Her birth story is pretty brief. I had stayed home with five of our children who had gotten ill after our week of VBS (coughs, some with fever). I had experienced a few good, low contractions during the day, but at around 9 p.m. they seemed to suddenly get serious. I hurried the children to bed so I could labor quietly.<br /><br />Hubby got home late, around 10 p.m., and found me relaxing in the tub. He started getting things ready while I got out and got ready for bed. I didn't know how long I had before she would be born, so I thought I might try to get some sleep. We both went to bed and slept from 11 to 12 a.m. I was only half-waking when the contractions came. Midnight was when I could not lie there anymore.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1gbBCAnk5yZqYY4yWXBv3dB1xS4hOWGfafWpilPqNnbr3NwhkHB5d1BhCBJpc8w0iHV_-9SDZLW9c0Ze-B2M_w3sB57GJpnWF_CaBrUfe9T1d1peY0rfv9JOPx-rPWFY5ulTBgQa5_lr/s1600/labour.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 243px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1gbBCAnk5yZqYY4yWXBv3dB1xS4hOWGfafWpilPqNnbr3NwhkHB5d1BhCBJpc8w0iHV_-9SDZLW9c0Ze-B2M_w3sB57GJpnWF_CaBrUfe9T1d1peY0rfv9JOPx-rPWFY5ulTBgQa5_lr/s320/labour.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706428999810964210" /></a><br />I paced a little, breathed through some contractions as I leaned against the wall, against the bed, on the bed on all fours, once propped up on pillows (hated that - it hurt my back), then went to the bathroom. While sitting on the toilet, my water broke (glorious moment!) and we knew her descent would be fast from that point.<br /><br />I felt for her head, all wrinkled up. I stood up, and she crowned within a minute or two. Hubby knelt, ready to catch her. I supported her head with my hand, felt the incredible, involuntary urge to push, but tried to hold back just a little so I could ease her out. Just two pushes and her head was born. Another good push for the shoulder, and her body slid out into her daddy's hands!<br /><br />HalleluYah!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8TkW7Nuo6cx1sMLnyL74-XMhJpSBje5lcdfGdQK0MubXyyrvc-2ZWkhtnhgVF0MHG84GGOQM6lvGrPfDnP7sfn3fGREEpoKgv0xcd7UWGj5M1Qkg9G_qBYXCKa9x2xppDi7hKFNUm6OM/s1600/newborn.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8TkW7Nuo6cx1sMLnyL74-XMhJpSBje5lcdfGdQK0MubXyyrvc-2ZWkhtnhgVF0MHG84GGOQM6lvGrPfDnP7sfn3fGREEpoKgv0xcd7UWGj5M1Qkg9G_qBYXCKa9x2xppDi7hKFNUm6OM/s320/newborn.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706430500670741122" /></a><br />She let out a cry just as she was born. The cord was rather short, so Daniel helped keep her close to my body while I sat down again and got a little situated to hold her. He put a towel over her, and we checked her over, suctioned a little mucus from her mouth and nose. The umbilical cord was pulsing beautifully, so we left it alone to do its job. She was looking around, blinking in the light, and soon started breathing on her own. I put her to breast - not interested yet.<br /><br />We cleaned her up a bit, and Daniel got her clothes laid out while we waited for the cord to stop pulsing. Pretty soon I felt the placenta coming, so I stood again and he held a bowl under me to catch the placenta. By then, of course, the cord was not needed, so he clamped it about two inches from the baby and cut it with sterilized scissors we had ready.<br /><br />I held her while he checked the placenta, which was whole and looked good. He also took note of my blood loss. Then he took her to clean her up and dress her, while I cleaned up in the birth pool. (I didn't labor in it much this time, but it still came in handy! No hot water in our upstairs bathroom.) It felt good to settle into bed to nurse our new little one, who was more than happy to latch on this time.<br /><br />We are so excited and blessed that the Lord allowed us another healthy home birth and has given us this beautiful gift of a healthy baby! Thank You, Abba! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNLWLMdNEfWeqtVJZBbACUScByzrsV4hgUvTq6RnW3ej9DCgecJPWEA_Ip2OJQ1XBfKdReIIs3-yXZ8KX7S67wB9xI5FYZglYp_I86mwFrkfyu70yqWMUhj8_MM1hJHNmfjeB5hDy7en8/s1600/Dad+with+newborn+Jayne.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNLWLMdNEfWeqtVJZBbACUScByzrsV4hgUvTq6RnW3ej9DCgecJPWEA_Ip2OJQ1XBfKdReIIs3-yXZ8KX7S67wB9xI5FYZglYp_I86mwFrkfyu70yqWMUhj8_MM1hJHNmfjeB5hDy7en8/s320/Dad+with+newborn+Jayne.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706432232899533378" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972398512692028734noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698310951507071463.post-69674758994808573132012-02-07T07:32:00.004-06:002012-02-07T07:50:34.789-06:00Jesus' name in the Old Testament<blockquote>{Psalm 67}<br />To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm or Song. <br />1 God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah. <br />2 That thy way may be known upon earth, <span style="font-weight:bold;">thy saving health among all nations</span>. <br />3 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. <br />4 O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah. <br />5 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. <br />6 Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us. <br />7 God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him. </blockquote> <br /><br />(Emphasis mine in verse 2.)<br /><br />So where is Jesus' name in this psalm? Look at verse two. The words "saving health" in the Hebrew is one word, <span style="font-style:italic;">yeshua</span>, which is the name of Jesus in Hebrew. So the verse literally says, "That thy way may be known upon earth, thy Yeshua (Jesus) among all nations"! Isn't that beautiful?<br /><br />Now read the whole psalm with Yeshua/Jesus there. It means so much more! HE shall judge the people righteously, and govern the nations. ALL the ends of the earth shall fear Him. The day is coming! Let us make Him known among the nations. Time is short!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972398512692028734noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698310951507071463.post-76664452106310845802012-01-07T15:03:00.003-06:002012-01-07T16:03:17.170-06:00The Gate and The Way<blockquote>Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. {Matthew 7:13-14}</blockquote><br /><br />A little pearl just jumped out at me from these words of Jesus. There is the Gate, and there is the Way, which lead unto Life. Many, many people respond to God's call and enter in at the Gate (the Door, the Messiah), but many of those forget about the Way. The word <span style="font-style:italic;">way</span> means "a road; by implication, a progress; journey". Isn't that interesting?<br /><br />Jesus is not only the Door. He is also the Journey beyond! We are to walk the Way, the Road, the Journey, that He instructed us to walk. If you have entered in at the straight Gate, don't just stand there. Walk! :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972398512692028734noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698310951507071463.post-20426089574708807782011-12-23T14:00:00.003-06:002012-02-29T11:48:56.859-06:00Old Paths<blockquote>"Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the {old paths}, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls." Jeremiah 6:16</blockquote><br /><br />I love this verse! I've heard so many wonderful sermons about seeking the old paths, and it has been my desire to do that. Go back, go back, because we have gone astray from the paths God would have us to walk!<br /><br />Have you ever thought about what exactly the old paths are? We tend to think about the great revivals of the 1800's and early 1900's. But the old paths are older than that. Older than our grandparents and great-grandparents. Older than anything invented since the time of Jesus, yea, they are even older than that, because they were well-established before the time when He walked on the earth. Keep going back, to the time of Jeremiah, who wrote these lines. But these paths were ancient to him, too! What are the "old paths", then?<br /><br />You'll get it from the context..Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972398512692028734noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698310951507071463.post-66840244540028766902011-10-23T16:53:00.002-05:002011-10-24T01:15:40.809-05:00Candy, sports, and eternity.I like the Rangers. I like the Cowboys. I like them the way that I like popping a piece of candy into my mouth. It gives me brief pleasure, but it's not something I seek out every day, or make a priority, or something I rearrange my schedule for. It doesn't make me jump up and down screaming. It's not a habit that compels me to spend a lot of money or invest a lot of my time into what's here today, gone tomorrow. Wait, am I talking about candy, or sports? Hee hee, well I am talking about both.<br /><br />Seems to me that many believers get so caught up in sports that they forget who they are in Christ. When they get into a game, their character seems to change, and the things that are usually important to them are suddenly forgotten. That bugs me.<br /><br />I wouldn't say that there is anything wrong with enjoying sports (or any other earthly pleasure that is legal and wouldn't ruin the testimony), just that as Christians we should examine all things by the light of Scripture.<br /><br /><blockquote>All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. {1 Corinthians 6:12}</blockquote><br />What it comes down to is this: Does this thing control me? Does it change me? Does it draw my heart away from what is eternally important, and make me dwell on things which do not really matter? <br /><br />Can we imagine the man who said he pressed toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, glued to the TV every Monday night to watch football, hollering at the referee for the bad call he made? I just can't see it.<br /><br />I don't mean to imply that as believers we can't enjoy watching a game. I just wish believers would remember Whom we represent, and what our mission is during our brief lifetime. Just thinking.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972398512692028734noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698310951507071463.post-15900624378209843672011-10-14T16:41:00.006-05:002011-10-14T18:22:29.555-05:00To truly remember the birth of Messiah...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwtHloo553FOXCvphDxS1SQbM5p2CYWsZ6ZckzblUmLp8kIRKIJMcTr8wJufEOQ95ogqcawEfllvi34ZfOFelVc8g0MNmD-xWeJzBsTrCyAA_3pNBHos81h6dO6b2WC1vvHDE4inNwCAu/s1600/manger+scene.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwtHloo553FOXCvphDxS1SQbM5p2CYWsZ6ZckzblUmLp8kIRKIJMcTr8wJufEOQ95ogqcawEfllvi34ZfOFelVc8g0MNmD-xWeJzBsTrCyAA_3pNBHos81h6dO6b2WC1vvHDE4inNwCAu/s200/manger+scene.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663492018292682770" /></a><br /><br />Some are thinking I'm getting ahead of things, blogging about the birth of the promised Messiah in mid-October. But did you know He was born right around this time? Yep, it can be calculated that His birth fell right around the Fall Feasts, likely the Feast of Trumpets or the Feast of Tabernacles. Either way, the babe was certainly not laid in the manger in the dead of winter in Bethlehem. If it were so, then the shepherds would have been notified by angels at home, which is where they would have had their sheep cozied against the cold, and not out in the fields at night.<br /><br />God never commanded us to celebrate the birth of Messiah in the winter, and the Scriptures do not bear out that He was born at that time. So why DO so many celebrate the birth of the Saviour on December 25th? I will leave you to do your own research about the history of that date. <br /><br />In the meantime, if you want to truly remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus, NOW is the time. Don't wait for December! :o)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972398512692028734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698310951507071463.post-72391731406989818992011-10-06T10:08:00.003-05:002011-10-06T12:55:59.501-05:00Homemade DeodorantIn my continued efforts to replace commercial health and beauty products laden with harmful chemicals with healthy alternatives, I was thrilled when my friend <a href="http://kellythomasonskapers.blogspot.com/2011/04/youre-making-what.html">Kelly</a> gave me her recipe for homemade deodorant! Most of my life I had used a commercial deodorant until some years ago I learned how the aluminum in it can <a href="http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/aluminum-and-breast-cancer/">accumulate in my body</a> and possibly put cancer and other health issues into my future! <br /><br />Okay, the recipe. I did not have all of the ingredients listed in the original, but I altered it a bit and came up with this:<br /><br /><blockquote>Ingredients:<br />2 or 3 Tbsp coconut oil<br />3 or 4 drops GSE (Grapefruit Seed Extract)*<br />1/4 cup baking soda<br />1/4 cup talcum powder** (I use baby powder, because I like the scent.)<br />a few drops essential oil like lavender (Optional. I omit this since I use baby powder.)<br /><br />Soften the coconut oil in a small saucepan, and add the rest of the ingredients. Mix very well with a spatula, then scrape it out into a small container. I put mine into a 4" x 4" square plastic container, and once it hardens, I cut it into four squares for easy application. The soft mixture can also be put into an empty commercial deodorant container, which sounds like a really good idea! (Haven't tried it myself, yet.) Allow to harden at room-temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on the climate where you live. Now it's ready to use!</blockquote><br /><br />I was really surprised how effective this deodorant is. I was relieved, too, because my deodorant crystal was not working as well for me as it used to. (Probably due to hormone changes.) If you try it out, let me know how it works for you!<br /><br />~.~ Good health to you and yours! ~.~ <br /><br />* Original recipe calls for Tea Tree Oil, which I do not have, but intend to try out some day!<br /><br />** The original recipe called for corn starch instead of the talcum powder I use, but I'm trying to get away from using (modified) corn starch, too.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972398512692028734noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8698310951507071463.post-66103809264388978532011-08-08T21:40:00.005-05:002011-08-09T00:38:48.071-05:00Weddings, having babies, and eternal rewards..I looked at some pictures of a Mormon wedding today online, and something that really struck me about it was that there were SO many children in the pictures of the extended family. Their family is large and beautiful, and children are clearly welcome. It made me think sober thoughts about how the Enemy has lied to true believers about the importance, the value, the *necessity* of children. Those who have the true Gospel have, unfortunately, bought into his lies. In fact, some of our most respected teachers and preachers actually counsel young couples to hold off having children, and then be careful to "space them out". And those are the couples who are actually planning to have any children at all.
<br />
<br />We have forfeited God's long-term blessings in favor of short-term convenience, or so that we can have more luxuries, or the designer "one of each" kind of family. We've lost sight of the eternal, and fixed our eyes (and affections) on the temporal. How far removed we are from the godly men and women of Bible times who begged God to bless them with children, who rejoiced to see them born, who blessed young brides of the next generation with a blessing of fruitfulness!
<br /><blockquote>
<br />"Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways... Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table." {Psalm 128:1,3}
<br />
<br />"And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it." {Genesis 1:28}
<br />
<br />"And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people." {Genesis 28:3}
<br />
<br />"And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase." {Jeremiah 23:3}
<br />
<br />"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate." {Psalm 127:3-5}</blockquote>
<br />
<br />Do we believe that the fruit of the womb is His reward? Really? If we believed that, then would we be counseling young couples to prevent pregnancies? The fact is that Christians today have an unbiblical view on childbirth and family planning. We've accepted the world's philosophy on it, while other groups.. cults.. (not just Mormons) are multiplying and teaching their young their false doctrines, raising up a healthy generation of hell-bound zealots. And we look around us, bewildered at their sheer numbers, wondering how we'll ever be able to win them all to the Lord.
<br />
<br />Well, the answer to that dilemma is right in our homes.
<br />
<br />The fact is that YOU can't win that many people to the Lord in your lifetime. It's impossible. You will only be able to reach a limited number of people, and that's it. Meanwhile, people continue to be born, grow up without being taught the truth, and will likely, eventually, die lost. Will your influence only extend to the end of your life? Not if you have a whole passel of children, and train them up to walk in the ways of the Lord! I challenge you to do this:
<br />
<br />1) Rethink your philosophy about childbearing and family planning. Does it line up with Scripture? Do you see large families as being abundantly blessed, or as unfortunate souls who perhaps haven't figured out "what causes that"?
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<br />2) Realize that children really are a blessing from the Lord, and treat them as such. Do not balk at the woman in your church who is "pregnant AGAIN??", and instead bless her with words of affirmation and joy. (Check out Luke 1:42!)
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<br />3) Encourage the young mother who is tired, who wonders if it's all worth it, who just had a baby and needs the support of others while she is resting. Give her the support she needs, lest she get discouraged and decide in her heart that this one's the last one, because she can't take anymore.
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<br />4) If you are married, of childbearing age, and you are physically able to have children, pray about taking your hands off the controls and allowing God to open and close the womb according to His will.
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<br />I have never heard anyone say they regret having a child, but I have heard many regrets from people who wish they would have had more. <span style="font-style:italic;">"Father, give us YOUR heart attitude about children!"</span>
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<br />***This post is not intended to hurt those who cannot have children, nor to cause distress to those who could have, did not, and now it is too late. To those brothers and sisters, I say now is your opportunity to encourage the next generation to welcome children, and bless them with your words, your love and support!***</blockquote>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11972398512692028734noreply@blogger.com7