Chastisement

God would not rub so hard if it were not to fetch out the dirt that is ingrained in our natures. God loves purity so well He had rather see a hole than a spot in His child's garments.

~William Gurnall~

Growing Debate Over Abortifacients

Several months ago, I read an article similar to this one, but I believe this one has a much clearer explanation. I was quite surprised because I had no idea what BCPs really did. Now that I know, I wish everyone knew. Millions of women are aborting their children in complete ignorance. Imagine what the estimated 46 million aborted children count really is when you include all the unknown abortions caused by birth "control" pills. It's absolutely sick and disgusting.

Getting sick...

I'm getting sick. I really shouldn't complain though. I haven't been sick in several months now. I've been wiping runny noses, cleaning up sick kids, and being coughed all over every day, but I've been fortunate to be able to avoid getting sick.(I give most of the credit of avoiding sickness to my Vitamin C, GSE, and extreme water intake when I have the slightest inkling that I'm beginning to come down with something.) I'm hoping this won't last long and won't effect my energy level too much.

Affliction

To know that nothing hurts the godly, is a matter of comfort; but to be assured that all things which fall out shall cooperate for their good, that their crosses shall be turned into blessings, that showers of affliction water the withering root of their grace and make it flourish ore; this may fill their hearts with joy till they run over.

~Thomas Watson~

Eliot

Crystal posted this on her blog today. Make sure that you have a Kleenex box nearby before you watch it. Life is valuable no matter what this world will tell you (turn off the music on the sidebar).

How Could Anyone Refuse Such a Blessing?

In whatever form it takes place from outright rejection to seemingly harmless prevention, our nation's epidemic of refusing one of God's greatest blessing is quite disturbing. Our nation screams, "We want blessings of money, health, spiritual gifts, talents, wisdom, but no, no, no, God, please keep that terrible "curse" of children from us! We have so many things to accomplish and just don't have the time, energy, or desire to raise Godly children for You to go on into the next generation. Bless our bank account not our fertility!"

Does anyone else see something wrong with our great "Christian" country's attitude? It's actually quite easy to pass over what I am saying as being extreme or maybe I'm making too big of a deal out of a little issue, but I beg to differ. I listen to young woman after young woman state how much she hates small children and NEVER wants any of her own. Instead, she is set on a big career, fabulous husband who serves her in every way (if she even desires marriage at all, but if she does, by golly, he'd better not hold her back or prevent her from her fullest "potential"), and a nice house, car, and bank account to suit her shopping and spa addictions. In the meantime, Muslims are populating by the dozens and we insist on no kids, or maybe a big family of two kids (of course a boy and girl). It won't be long before we become a Muslim dominated culture by mere population increase alone. If you don't believe me, look at our population replacement rate right now...it has fallen below replacement rate. That's quite honestly, beside my point right now.

I'm reading a book now, written in 1985, called "The Way Home-Beyond Feminism Back to Reality" by Mary Pride, a former feminist. It was written over 20 years ago, but we certainly haven't gotten any better. She says,

I believe the reason that Christians have not been successful so far at stopping abortion in this land is because we have not yet understood and confessed our part in bring it about. Typically the Christian understanding of abortion has been 'The central issue in abortion is the question of human life. But the great assumption of the proabortion movement is that the fetus is not a human being. However, as we have just seen, the lid is off the abortion racket; everyone know that 'fetuses' are human. In fact, they are pushing for more and more experiments on and organ transplants from these poor little human beings. Yet women still have abortions. (pp. 73-74)

She goes on,

The typical Christian response...is that our sins have been (1) lack of political involvement and (2) lack of acceptance for unwed mothers. This is not correct. We are not all called to be lobbyists or politicians any more than we are all called to be preachers. Nor do we owe it to every unwed mother to provide her with money, a home, a day-care center, and a job (to say nothing of pushing her into this feminist careerist lifestyle). Mercy? Yes, for repentant sinners. Compassion? Yes, for those who ask for help. We do need to repent of our sins before God; but political naivete and a strong stand against fornication are not sins. Nor have they caused abortion. (p.75)

The church's sin which has caused us to become unsavory salt incapable of uplifting the society around is selfishness, lack of love, refusing to consider children an unmitigated blessing. In a word, family planning.(p.75)

I'm concluding with this one,

When the church came out in favor of family planning, it produced certain effects. Outside careers because truly possible for women with the blessing of the church. Only when a woman deliberately chose to stop having children and was able to carry through on her plans would she be able to launch a career without fear of 'interruptions.' This was the first wave. The second wave was a sudden demand for abortion, to insure that her new career plans were fail safe. Along with this came a decreased dependence on her husband, leading to marital stress as she felt more free to do her own thing without bothering to consult him. You know the rest of the story. Epidemic divorce, abortion-on-demand, child abuse, the popularity of homosexuality (with women trying to become men, who wouldn't be confused?), infanticide, and so on. All because children are no longer considered a blessing.(p.75)

This woman has so much to say! (I would recommend this book to anyone interested following God's plan for womanhood.) I'm not sure if she is 100% correct, but think about it. I really believe she has some tremendously valid points. Unfortunately, we are so brainwashed by our Godless society that even Christianity has been effected.

So, I'm not really going to get everything down that I wish to say today, but please consider your attitude towards children. Would you rather drive a Mercedes by yourself or an old mini-van (not that it has to be old...just paid for! :)) full of precious, eternal, human lives? I don't think I could ever look into the face of a baby and tell God I didn't want it or didn't want anymore.

I'll leave you with some verses (taken from The Message version), all emphasis is mine.

Genesis 17:20

And Ishmael? Yes, I heard your prayer for him. I'll also bless him; I'll make sure he has plenty of children—a huge family.

Genesis 28:3

And may The Strong God bless you and give you many, many children...

Genesis 35:11

I am The Strong God. Have children! Flourish!

Isaiah 23:1-3

Wail, ships of Tarshish, your strong seaports all in ruins!
When the ships returned from Cyprus,
they saw the destruction.
Hold your tongue, you who live on the seacoast,
merchants of Sidon.
Your people sailed the deep seas,
buying and selling,
Making money on wheat from Shihor,
grown along the Nile—
multinational broker in grains!
Hang your head in shame, Sidon. The Sea speaks up,
the powerhouse of the ocean says,
"I've never had labor pains, never had a baby,
never reared children to adulthood,
Never gave life, never worked with life.
It was all numbers, dead numbers, profit and loss."

Isaiah 29:22

And finally this, God's Message for the family of Jacob, the same God who redeemed Abraham: "No longer will Jacob hang his head in shame, no longer grow gaunt and pale with waiting. For he's going to see his children, my personal gift to him—lots of children.

Isaiah 57:3 (This is pretty convicting)

But you, children of a witch, come here! Sons of a slut, daughters of a whore. What business do you have taunting, sneering, and sticking out your tongue? Do you have any idea what wretches you've turned out to be? A race of rebels, a generation of liars. You satisfy your lust any place you find some shade and fornicate at whim. You kill your children at any convenient spot— any cave or crevasse will do. You take stones from the creek and set up your sex-and-religion shrines. You've chosen your fate.

Jeremiah 29:6

Marry and have children. Encourage your children to marry and have children so that you'll thrive in that country and not waste away.

Mark 9:36

He put a child in the middle of the room. Then, cradling the little one in his arms, he said, 'Whoever embraces one of these children as I do embraces me, and far more than me—God who sent me.'

and I saved my favorite one for last:

Psalm 127:3-5

Don't you see that children are God's best gift?
the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?
Like a warrior's fistful of arrows
are the children of a vigorous youth.
Oh, how blessed are you parents,
with your quivers full of children!
Your enemies don't stand a chance against you;
you'll sweep them right off your doorstep.

Getting on Track

I'm finally getting back into a schedule... today I exercised! It's been at least 4 months since that occurred (not a good thing for my health by any means). I feel so energetic right now. :) I'm hoping to keep this up and include at least one hour of exercise each day. This step is great progress for me. Usually, I come in from a day with the kiddos, calapse for a nap, and end up not being able to sleep at night which makes the cycle of exhaustion continue the next day. I've got to change that habit. Not only do I need more energy, but I also need to incorporate exercise for my health. Now...my goal this week is to get into a routine and find the best time each day to include some physical activity (besides chasing a three year old around all morning).

Prayer

A saint is to put forth his faith in prayer, and afterwards follow his prayer with faith.

~Vavasor Powell~

Yet Again...Sorry!

I really need to get better about this blogging thing. I know, I know, I keep saying that, but once again, the entire week has almost passed and not a post since Monday. I've got to get into a routine with work, exercise, and reading. I also want to add church activities in again. I've missed being involved at church. Last year and this past quarter have been so terribly hectic and I was forced to drop back on my activities, church being one of them. I don't think it was the best decision, but at the time, I was so overwhelmed I had to do something. Anyway, I've got to get into a routine and hopefully, I will be able to schedule the blogging in on a regular basis. Maybe I'll post the schedule once I've written it out so I can be somewhat accountable. Well, I'm off to bed, I have another day with the triplets tomorrow! :)

Interview With the Duggars

I absolutely love the Duggar family. They display such a love for kids and the Lord. They have so welcoming accepted each and every child into their home and on top of that kept their sanity! It just goes to show that God will provide whatever you need to accomplish the task He has assigned you to. Here is a fairly recent interview with the parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar (this was before #17 was born this past summer).

God's Mercy

His father saw him - there were eyes of mercy;
He ran to meet him - there were legs of mercy;
He put his arms round his neck - there were arms of mercy;
He kissed him - there were kisses of mercy;
He said to him - there were words of mercy;
'Bring here the best robe' - there were deeds of mercy;
Wonders of mercy - all mercy!
Oh, what a God of mercy he is!

~Matthew Henry~

Whew!

Whew! What a day! A wonderful one, but a long one. I began a new three-day-a-week nannying position caring for three year old triplets today. I'm very excited, and I know I am going to love the job. The kids are very well behaved, absolutely adorable and a BIG plus isthat I am working for a Christian family. I've also been blessed to get another nanny job I am able to work on the other two days of the week.

I'm very excited to see how God is providing for my step of faith. He has covered insurance, money, scheduling, and is continually showing me His faithfulness in obeying His call. I know that it's true, I can't build my faith by sitting in the boat thinking about taking action, I have to get up (work up the courage), get out (take the first step), and walk (go beyond the first step). AND might I add, KEEP WALKING and not ever take my eyes off the One in control of the raging seas.

Well, I'm off to bed, but hopefully, I'll be posting again soon, I really need to form a better habit of sitting down and writing at LEAST every other day. I'm working on it... :)

In the End

In the end, it doesn’t matter how well we have performed or what we have accomplished—a life without heart is not worth living. For out of this wellspring of our soul flow all true caring and all meaningful work, all real worship and all sacrifice. Our faith, hope, and love issue from this fount, as well. Because it is in our heart that we first hear the voice of God and it is in the heart that we come to know him and learn to live in his love.

So you can see that to lose heart is to lose everything. And a “loss of heart” best describes most men and women in our day. It isn’t just the addictions and affairs and depression and heartaches, though, God knows, there are enough of these to cause even the best of us to lose heart. But there is the busyness, the drivenness, the fact that most of us are living merely to survive. Beneath it we feel restless, weary, and vulnerable.

Indeed, the many forces driving modern life have not only assaulted the life of our heart, they have also dismantled the heart’s habitat—that geography of mystery and transcendence we knew so well as children.

All of us have had that experience at one time or another, whether it be as we walked away from our teachers, our parents, a church service, or sexual intimacy; the sense that something important, perhaps the only thing important, had been explained away or tarnished and lost to us forever. Sometimes little by little, sometimes in large chunks, life has appropriated the terrain meant to sustain and nourish the wilder life of the heart, forcing it to retreat as an endangered species into smaller, more secluded, and often darker geographies for its survival. As this has happened, something has been lost, something vital.

(The Sacred Romance, 3-5)

Visit Ransomed Heart Ministries

Evangelism

The command to evangelize is a part of God's law. It belongs to God's revealed will for His people. It could not, then, in principle be affected in the slightest degree by anything that we might believe about God's sovereignty in election and calling.

~J. I. Packer~

Marriage Myths According to Modern-Day Psychologists

I saw this article called "'Don’t Go to Bed Angry’ and Other Marriage Myths" on the MSN homepage today. I found it quite sad really. You tell me, what do you think? If I followed their advice, I know I would be unhappy. Maybe some people are satisfied with that kind of relationship, but marriage is supposed to be a demonstration of Christ and the Church (us). It's the greatest relationship we will every have on this earth and it is meant to be an example of Christ's love to us. That means you should tell your spouse everything, keeping things from them does nothing for oneness. You shouldn't go to bed angry, don't let the sun go down on your anger. And your spouse most certainly should be your closest friend and confidant.

I know I have no experience in a marriage relationship, so I'm not calling myself an expert, but I see so many marriages that can be so much more. Divorce is not the only enemy of marriages. Lifeless, unproductive marriages that have ceased to grow are just as big a threat to the union. God doesn't call us to settle with an okay relationship, He wants it to be an incredible display of His power, glory, and love. In fact, that's why He made marriage. He made marriage, not for us, but His glory.

Mike Huckabee On Homeschooling and Abortion

I'm sure you can't tell that I've been on YouTube today. I've been following a few of the presedential candidates lately and Mike Huckabee though not perfect seems to hold some pretty important values. I heard him preach (he is a former Baptist minister) a few months ago at church and was quite impressed. I'm just praying that whoever gets elected as the next leader of our country leads us in the right direction...back to our true Christian heritage.

Homeschool Family

I love this video!! :) (Even though it's a little exaggerated...)



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Should Women Go To College?

Well, my conviction even before reading this was no, but after reading C.S. Hayden's blog on the subject, I'm convinced. I should not be spending my time now pursuing a degree in college. I will not say I'll NEVER go back, because I have no idea what the Lord may lay on my heart in the future, and it may be something I can only accomplish through obtaining a degree. However, at this point in my life, I have much better things to reach for and pour my energy into.

As some of you may know, I have decided not to go to college after over 1 year in the college system. I went to Ga. Perimeter (a junior college) last year and then attended Chattahoochee Tech. for a culinary arts program this past quarter. I've been miserable ever since I started. I never wanted to go at all. I had never pictured college in my life. While in middle and high school grades, I always had the mindset of finishing high school and afterwards preparing for life as a wife and mother. Unfortunately, I gave in to pressure from many people and enrolled in college. I've never in my life been so unhappy, unsettled, and restless.

God convicted me over the summer during a time of much prayer and Scripture reading. The message I heard over and over was the call to be a wife and mother. I mean, to think, here I was in another country, serving the Lord, impacting so many for Him, having this wonderful, life-changing experience...and He was telling me one thing. "Sallie, My call for you to be a wife and mother is just as important as any work you will do in foreign missions." I see it now and my mindset has been so skewed. Someone has to train up the next generation in the Lord. Being a supportive wife and caring mother who invests in her family is a VERY important role. I'm not cut out to lead, I know that. Now I see so much more clearly that the position He has called me to is a perfect fit. I don't have to keep trying to fit into other people's expectations of me.

At this moment, I still question my decision to drop college, but it's not because I think I will want or even need a degree one day. It's because I just want the pressure from others to ease up. (Especially, since I'm not even married yet!) That's not the Christian's call though. I'm not called to conform. I'm called to stand up for my convictions and beliefs, go against the flow of society if necessary, and follow the Lord in all to fulfill His greater plan. That's my goal because I only answer to one person, the God of the universe.

Hillary Clinton

I absolutely don't want this woman to be in the position of leading our country.

(Don't forget to turn off the music on the sidebar.)

Platforms for His Manifestations

All our difficulties are only platforms for the manifestation of His grace, power, and love.

~Hudson Taylor~

Everybody Claiming to Know Jesus by Jonathan Falwell (From the Falwell Confidential)

I was intrigued to observe a sign being held by one of the protesters at the writers strike in California this week. Scrawled under a sign bearing the Writers Guild of America logo was the message: “Huckabee, Jesus Wouldn’t Cross.”

The protester’s message was being aimed at Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, a Christian, who crossed picket lines on Wednesday to appear on NBC’s “The Tonight Show,” prior to Thursday’s Iowa caucus.

And it struck me that, in this present age of situational ethics and moral ambivalence, man is continually attempting to create Jesus in his own image, usually to fit the circumstances or states of affairs in which he finds himself.

We often hear conflicting arguments that Jesus would be a Republican or a Democrat if He were living on earth today.

As evidence, we see books such as Clint Willis’ and Nate Hardcastle’s “Jesus Is Not a Republican: The Religious Right’s War on America” or Mark Ellingsen’s “When Did Jesus Become Republican?” We also see Alan Colmes’ book, “Red, White and Liberal,” which contains a chapter (“Jesus was a Liberal”) in which he attempts to define Jesus as a social liberal.

We also hear people insinuating that Jesus would be driving a hybrid car if He were on the earth today. Or we hear that Jesus would be working to help the oppressed people of our world.

Moreover, I believe that even within the church today we often see depictions of Jesus that are simply unfounded.

The fact is that opinions of Jesus don’t really matter.

The only thing that matters in our understanding of Jesus is what He told us of Himself in His Word, the Bible. And the Bible must be our only standard in our endeavors to understand Jesus, the Son of the Living God, and His purpose for our lives.

In this regard, it is important to note that Jesus did not come to earth to teach us what car to drive or which candidate to vote for or to compel us not to cross picket lines.

Instead, Jesus came for one simple reason, as He stated in Luke 19:10: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

That statement applies to all of us, for we are all lost without Jesus Christ in our lives.

Jesus did certainly outline plans for the disciples (and hence the present church) to care for widows, the affirmed and the disadvantaged. But this was not His principal message.

I fear that many people these days are using modern social guidelines such as “inclusiveness” or “multi-culturalism” or “globalism” to define Jesus.

In effect, these individuals are attempting to socialize the Gospel, humanizing Jesus to fit their needs.

These are superficial perceptions of Jesus and have virtually nothing to do with the Bible narrative of His life and design.

And so to understand Jesus, we must first understand that He understands us even more than we understand ourselves; and we fail when we attempt to justify ourselves by recreating what the Bible makes clear about Him.

A wonderful verse is I Samuel 16:7 because it shows God’s uniqueness in His approach to mankind. That verse states: “… for man looketh upon the outside appearance, but the Lord looketh upon the heart.”

And the heart is where we truly find Jesus and His purpose.

When we trust in Christ, we then know the purpose of Christ.

Paul, writing to the church at Ephesus, explained the beauty of truly knowing Jesus: “And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.”

My prayer for this New Year is that I can reach out in love with this message to many people so that they can truly know Jesus Christ as He wants to be known.

Let’s work together in this effort!

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Bible Study

The longer you read the Bible, the more you will like it; it will grow sweeter and sweeter; and the more you get into the spirit of it, the more you will get into the spirit of Christ.

~William Romaine~

A Mission Only the Church Could Stop From Global Summit 2007

My pastor showed a sermon by Dr. David Platt on Sunday. I can't seem to get it out of my mind. I couldn't find the exact one he showed, but I did find this one that is almost the same, exact sermon. I won't waste my words by trying to give you a preview or even my own personal thoughts. This message speaks for itself. All I can say is, please listen to it and allow Christ to change your thinking, actions, and lifestyle to reflect His purpose for ALL of us. It is something we should especially attain to as we enter this new year of 2008. Make your life count.

How You Live

I haven't put a song on in a while. I love this one. It's so easy to forget that it doesn't matter what others think, do, or expect of me as much as is matters what God thinks and expects. I'm not perfect and have so many areas to work on in this area of my life, but I've come to realize more and more each day that it's how I live, not the list of accomplishments I have completed. There is only One I need to be striving to please and He is the only One I need to look to for affirmation and acceptance. I need to be living each day as if it is my last and showing others my genuine care, concern, and love. I only have one life and one chance. Who knows what could happen tomorrow or even in the next few minutes? I need to be focused on Jesus and give glory to His name by how I live.

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