God desires truth in the inward parts....

Psalm 51 3-6 says;
For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
and blameless in your judgment.
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin did my mother conceive me.
  Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.  Isnt the Lord good to tell us who and what we REALLY are? Despite who we pretend to be, in spite of who we want others to think we are...there is One who is not fooled and knows us in our secret heart.
  Nothing drives me crazier than people who create an 'online' image...and it is nothing of who they really are. Who are we fooling? A better question is; why are we fooling? We can have a following of thousands, blog incessantly and write a million ebooks, trying to convince (and doing a good job of it) folks that we are a certain person. But, in spite of it all, the front and the foolery~at the end of the day we are still who we really are.
  Scripture says; we were brought forth in iniquity and in sin we were conceived. Not much to brag on there. Paul admonishes us in 2 Cor 10:17 "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord". So as way of admonishment to you and to me;) Let us remember that we are dust and we were brought forth in iniquity. All of our righteousness is as filthy rags...In Christ alone, our hope is found. Not in an orderly house, an intensive homeschool regime, faithful church attendance or the myriads of post and blogs and ebooks that we write.
  The Lord delights in 'truth in the inward parts' and He teaches us wisdom in our secret heart. Lets share the wisdom He gives us and be truthful with one another. It is so much more encouraging!
  Psalm 19:12-13

English Standard Version (ESV)

  Who can discern his errors?
Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
   Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me!
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression

Is there life 'outside' of Facebook???

We are one of the very few, odd families in America (the world??) that does not FACEBOOK. I have had a conservative, christian, homeschooling mom ask me; "How do you survive without it?"...Hmm?
Now let me state that some of my favorite Christian ministries, no, MOST of them, are on FB. Being a presence on FB is not bad. As a matter of fact, if all of the 'good' left FB, then only the 'bad'would remain. If all of the beauty left, only the 'ugly' would remain.
There are traps in every amoral element. It is how you use it. FB has been grossly misused I will say.
For example, as a Christian wife I do not spend extended amounts of time talking to other men on a 'friend' level. Why is it ok to do on FB? An old dear friend of mine left her husband for a FB friend. Sad, but it happens. However, how many Christian ladies read romance novels, only to be left feeling discontent and leave their husbands also? That problem cannot be traced back to the paper the book is written on...the issue is the heart.
I think, as in all things, women should guard their hearts. With what they read, how they spend their time and how they interact on (and off of) FB and in all of their relationships.
We also need to set aside pride. How many people spend time touting their praises on FB and dont 'let another mouth praise thee'. However, again, you dont need FB to show how prideful you are. You can do that in the privacy of your own home.
On Pintrest one day I saw this saying "May your life be as good as you say it is on FB". I say, "May your life not be as bad as you say it is on FB".
So all of that to say...there is life 'outside' of FB. There is very likely 'life' going on inside of FB. It sure is interesting though...the quickest way to offend godly, Christian women is to tell them you dont FB. If I dont mind that you DO FB, then why should it bother you that I don't?
Something to think about:)

ummm...

Hey Everybody,
       Just wanted to mention that for some reason the commenting section disappeared from the home page....not sure what happened there..I'm working on it, hopefully i'll have it fixed soon. In the meantime, feel free to leave comments on any of the other pages, which for some reason still have the commenting section. Anyhow, just a heads up.
                                                                               God bless, ~Abby~

Memorial Day

Semper Fidelis to Semper Memento...Always Faithful to Always Remeber.
We remember and we will not forget.

Is there life 'outside' of Facebook???

  We are one of the very few, odd families in America (the world??) that does not FACEBOOK. I have had a conservative, christian, homeschooling mom ask me; "How do you survive without it?"...Hmm?
  Now let me state that some of my favorite Christian ministries, no, MOST of them, are on FB. Being a presence on FB is not bad. As a matter of fact, if all of the 'good' left FB, then only the 'bad'would remain. If all of the beauty left, only the 'ugly' would remain.
  There are traps in every amoral element. It is how you use it. FB has been grossly misused I will say.
  For example, as a Christian wife I do not spend extended amounts of time talking to other men on a 'friend' level. Why is it ok to do on FB? An old dear friend of mine left her husband for a FB friend. Sad, but it happens. However, how many Christian ladies read romance novels, only to be left feeling discontent and leave their husbands also? That problem cannot be traced back to the paper the book is written on...the issue is the heart.
  I think, as in all things, women should guard their hearts. With what they read, how they spend their time and how they interact on (and off of) FB and in all of their relationships.
  We also need to set aside pride. How many people spend time touting their praises on FB and dont 'let another mouth praise thee'. However, again, you dont need FB to show how prideful you are. You can do that in the privacy of your own home.
  On Pintrest one day I saw this saying "May your life be as good as you say it is on FB". I say, "May your life not be as bad as you say it is on FB".
  So all of that to say...there is life 'outside' of FB. There is very likely 'life' going on inside of FB.  It sure is interesting though...the quickest way to offend godly, Christian women is to tell them you dont FB. If I dont mind that you DO FB, then why should it bother you that I don't?
  Something to think about:)

Daughters-A Post from Grace Gems

We have just published Timothy Shay Arthur's outstanding 100 page book, "Advice to Young Ladies on Their Duties and Conduct in Life". This is the best treatment of the subject that we have ever read. Must reading for all women. Parents will gain valuable insights on how to build godly character into their daughters. The latter chapters are especially profitable.

Lamplighter Guild!!!

Dear Friends,

I am writing to tell you about a life-changing opportunity.

This summer, from July 15th-20th, Lamplighter Ministries plans to host its second Lamplighter Guild for Creative Disciplines, a catalyst for collaboration, innovation, and compelling instruction between master teachers and apprentices. Students will choose to study either Dramatic or Visual Arts during this time, and each student will be challenged to cultivate a high level of excellence in order to uniquely reflect the image of God in his work and life. This event will be hosted at the world-renowned Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, NY.

Dramatic Arts students will learn scriptwriting, sound design, music composition, directing, producing, and voice and stage acting from the creative minds and talents behind acclaimed television and radio productions such as Downton Abbey, Adventures in Odyssey, Chronicles of Narnia, Les Miserables, and Left Behind.

Visual Arts students will interact with Mohonk’s spectacular mountaintop in an unforgettable week of visual exploration and creative expression through plein air oil painting.

To learn more, visit  www.lamplighterguild.com. Or, consider viewing a short video overview of the event here; http://www.lamplighterguild.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=98:guild-promo-video1&Itemid=212

Don’t miss out on this experience of a lifetime! Registration is due by June 15th, and scholarships are available! If you have any questions about the Lamplighter Guild, please email us at mail@lamplighterguild.com.

Thank you!

Beecher Proch

Home made Toothpaste

  I'm sure you already know about the dangers of fluoride. How, it was the main ingredient used in rat poison for years!! That is not the only reason  we make our own toothpaste. One of the ingredients in almost all toothpaste; regular, natural or organic, is glycerin. The problem with that ingredient is that it coats your teeth and doesn't allow them to 'breathe'...nor remineralize.
  Now remember, in our family we always do things by degrees and do the best we can with what we have. Therefore, no toothpaste is better than fluoride toothpaste, fluoride free toothpaste is better than fluoride filled toothpaste, toothpowder with all natural ingredients is best of all! However, it is a bit tricky ~ and a lot of pain to get the powder to stick on your brush. So we have developed a toothpaste. Kids are used to using toothpaste anyways.
  So after a little experimenting; here is what we have come up with and what we use.
                  TOOTHPASTE
5 T. Calcium Powder
1-2 T. Baking Soda
5-6 T. Xylitol
dash of Himalayan or at least Sea Salt
1 drop Peppermint oil
3 T. Coconut or almond oil
1 capsule of vitamin E oil (as a preservative)
  We just mix it all together, then put it in a small tupperware with a lid. The reason I give differing amounts on the Baking soda and Xylitol is; the amounts you choose greatly affect the taste. If you are used to sweet store toothpaste, then you will want less Baking Soda and more Xylitol. Another note, there are many folks who use Stevia in their toothpaste. I personally believe in the remineralizing abilities of Xylitol so we use that. Also, I have never known anyone to add Vitamin E to their toothpaste. I add it to nearly every essential oil blend, tincture etc. because of it acts as a preservative. One never knows how quickly or slowly something will be used up so it is better to be safe than sorry!
  Let us know if you try it and how you like it!

Sons of Georgia Showing!

John MacDuff, "Evening Incense" 1856

I am truly a marvel and miracle!

O my Father, it is of Your compassions alone, that I am not consumed!

My way Zionward is well-studded with Ebenezers, testifying "Thus far the Lord has helped me!"

The pillar of Your presence has guided me through many a perplexing path!

Your love has smiled through many a threatening cloud!

Your restraining grace has arrested me in many a slippery way!

When "my soul was among lions"--how often have You "sent Your angel" to rescue me and shut the lions' mouths! I am truly a marvel and miracle of Your preservation, patience, and mercy!

"Hold me up--and I shall be safe!" Psalm 119:117

Something to think about...

(Ill let someone who was much more learned than I say this:)...
The loving heart of an actual living Christ!
(J.C. Ryle, "Holiness, Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots" 1879)

I am afraid that many Christians in our day, have lost sight of Christ. They talk . . .
more about salvation--than about their only Savior, and
more about redemption--than the one true Redeemer, and
more about Christ's work--than Christ Himself!

This is a great fault--one that accounts for the dry and shriveled spirit that infuses the religious lives of many who profess faith.

As ever you would grow in grace, and have joy and peace in believing--beware of falling into this error! Cease to regard the Gospel as a mere collection of dry doctrines. Look at it rather as the revelation of a mighty living Being in whose sight you are daily to live. Cease to regard the Gospel as a mere set of abstract propositions and abstruse principles and rules. Look at it as the introduction to a glorious personal Friend. This is the kind of Gospel that the apostles preached. They did not go about the world telling men of love and mercy and pardon in the abstract. The leading subject of all their sermons, was the loving heart of an actual living Christ!

This is the kind of Gospel which is most calculated to promote sanctification and fitness for glory. Nothing, surely, is so likely to prepare us for that Heaven where Christ's personal presence will be all, and that glory where we shall meet Christ face to face--as to realize communion with Christ, as an actual living Person. There is all the difference in the world, between an idea and a person.
  

Anniversary of Joplin MO tornadoes...

  It was a devastating time for many Missourians a year ago. The Joplin tornadoes will not soon be forgotten.
  There were a lot of miracles that went unnoticed, and there was a lot of devastation and deaths that went unreported. For example in the death toll, they never mentioned the many people who died from asbestos poisoning from the wreckage of old pipes being unearthed and seeping into the air and water supply.
  As if that weren't bad enough, there were a lot of opportunist that were just plain criminal that went around claiming their good deeds of collecting items for the survivors yet the items never left their homes.
  There is still a lot of devastation around yet much has been done. Of course Joplin isn't the only place which has experienced tornado devastation. There is an interesting story that CNN removed from their website after the 'athiests' gave them pressure.
  It was about a little boy who was found in a large coke cooler after the twister hit in Alabama. Our little music friend artist here is singing about it. Her daddy wrote this song. Here is to all of the survivors of those devastating twisters and here is to those who are now forever in the Arms of Grace whose bodies didn't survive but whose souls will live forever with the Lord.

If you're interested in getting to know this sweet young music artist better, or to read the story behind the song, check out her website; http://AllisonAnnGreen.weebly.com

Sleepy?

Sleepy saints!
(Arthur W. Pink)

"You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober!" 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6

Sleepy saints! What an anomaly! Drowsing on the verge of eternity!

A Christian is one who, in contrast to the unregenerate, has been awakened from the sleep of death in trespasses and sins, made to realize the unspeakable awfulness of endless misery in Hell and the ineffable joy of everlasting bliss in Heaven--and thereby brought to recognize the seriousness and solemnity of life!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Summertime in Missouri....

Well we have made it through another year of homeschooling! This makes 20 years of it for us if you are talking about the school book aspect of it. Of course, we believe that Home-discipling begins much earlier:)
I wondered if I was the only one that felt that;....I get more 'teaching' and, 'schooling' done when school is out? What I mean by that is, I dont have the pressure of accomplishing our written goals, or the pressure of making sure we are getting all of our 'work' done on schedule...the distraction of 'well meaning' neighbors thinking the children should be inside doing pages of math instead of a nature study out of doors...so much is lost in the rush and formality of home schooling.
My older kids always tell people 'Mom loves summer so she can teach without being distracted by schooling'.
Yes I have to say that summer is my favorite time of year. More teaching, learning and memories are made for eternity when I am not worried about, teaching them or them learning:)
I hope Im not the only one who feels like this, but actually; its okay if I am too:)
Brett and I hope you all have had an amazing year of home discipling and that you have a wonderful summer with your family! Pressure is off!! You can school in peace for a few months:)

Birthdays, Dancing,Company and Church

  Well I guess this post is a post stating that we have been too busy doing all of the above to post about it! I wouldnt know where to start at this point! Weve been reenacting, dancing, having birthday parties, visiting various churches with our musical artist friend as she performs,  and this week we had 20 people for the weekend!
  Sweet fellowship, the blessing of family and friends and making memories are precious things! I just wish I was a bit more organized so I could post pics and tell about it!
  Oh well. Praying you are having a blessed and busy season with fellowship and being with Gods people too!
  Oh yes, and we are busy doing baseball games for the four boys. I sure hope I get a pic of them on here at some point:)

Comfort for today...

Misery Forgotten!

James Smith, 1842

"You shall forget your misery!" Job 11:16

Courage, my soul! behold the prize
Your Savior's love provides;
Eternal life beyond the skies,
For all whom here He guides.

The wicked cease from troubling, there,
The weary are at rest;
Sorrow, and sin, and pain, and care,
No more approach the blessed!

A wicked world, and wicked heart,
With Satan now are joined;
Each acts a too successful part
In harassing the mind.

But fighting in my Savior's strength,
Though mighty are my foes,
I shall a conqueror be at length,
O'er all that can oppose.

Then why, my soul, complain or fear;
The crown of glory see!
The more I toil and suffer here,
The sweeter rest will be!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABIGAIL!!!

Isnt she beautiful~ Sweet 17! We love you honey girl~ Happy happy birthday! Lord bless you!!!

Talk is cheap....

James Smith, "Daily Food for the Lord's Flock!" 1848)

"For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men!" 1 Peter 2:15

The ungodly are to be silenced by our deeds--rather than by our words. They may refuse to hear us speak--but they cannot help seeing us walk!
 
  Well I'm not sure that talk is cheap actually...because Scripture says that we will give an account of every word we speak. It is true however,  that we heavily influence our spouse, our children and our companions by the way that we walk. We must walk worthy of our high calling in Christ Jesus if we will glorify Him with our lives.
  It is difficult to speak in a way that is inconsistent with our walk though isn't it? Unless one is particularly deceitful and manipulative, which I know there are folks who are that way. But generally, what we speak comes forth from the abundance of what is in our heart.
  You may be surprised that I say we are able to influence our 'spouse'. I have seen it time and time again where a contentious wife tears down her husband, yea her entire house with her words (and deeds). Therefore can it not work in the other way that if we control our tongue and are sure that our actions glorify the Lord, that we will build up our spouse and strengthen the foundations of our home?
  May the Lord direct our hearts and minds~our words and actions, to build up our families and walk in a way that is worthy of one who is a child of God. Words and deeds...yep I think that is the key:)

A Mother so Dear....

  Last night was one of those nights where I could not sleep. I finally nodded off at 3:30, just to be awakened at 5:00 with an ailing child. Ugg. I could not get up for the longest time. I was soo extremely tired. After forcing myself up and 'trying to help'....misnaming every item I was looking for...heating pad, ibuprofen, arnica etc...I managed to bring the teen some small semblance of relief.
   I got back to bed at 5:30 and still couldnt sleep because  I thought about MY mom. You see, by the time I was 12 years old I had had 7 surgeries. Tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy twice, tubes in my ears 5 times and an appendectomy. (Thank you medical world for removing every filtering system from my body. No wonder why I am chronically ill at 42!) And all of those surgeries were accompanied by dozens and dozens of chronic ear infections. I would have to ask mother, but I would say in my pre teen years I likely had....30 ear infections? Oh and not to mention, since I was ill all of the time, I liked to end up in the hospital dehydrated. In which case they would give me an IV...I hated that.
  All of this to say; every ailment I had (and I was a whine baby, not stout like my children) was handled by my mother. She would stay up at night for hours rubbing my face and saying 'go to sleep'. I remember seeing her sitting there stroking my head with her eyes closed and I thinking 'she it trying to make me tired by closing her eyes'...How many nights she stayed up with me sick I will never know. At least one for every surgery and ailment listed above...and you know what?? She worked a FULL TIME job. Yes she did. Every day Monday through Friday for as long as I can remember she had a job to go to.
  So as I was sitting there last night, finally, after so many years, I (guiltily) realized that she never once complained that I can recall. I never remember her saying "Dana I have to go to bed so I can go to work tomorrow'...I never heard her say the next day, 'Hey Im tired I was up with you all night'. I never once heard her say a negative word about all of the hours of missed sleep and ministering to me that she did.
  What a wonderful and sweet example of motherhood my mother is to me. Why it took me so long to realize her great sacrifice to me I shall never know. I have never had a chronically sick child as you may have. You may know the hours ,the strain and the sacrifice involved in caring for so needy a child. Wow, when I grow up, I want to be a wonderful mother like my mom.
  I love my mother dearly and we have such a great relationship. The only hard thing about moving our family here was leaving my parents. Thank God for planes, phones and technology that keeps us connected!
  When I thought to write this it hadnt occurred to me that Mothers Day was coming up. Since it is, I will take this opportunity to say "HAPPY MOTHERS DAY MOM! YOURE THE GREATEST MOTHER THAT EVER LIVED AND I LOVE YOU DEARLY! ALL MY LOVE TO YOU!"
  I hope I look like her when I grow up too! :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHARITY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DARLING CHARITY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!  Youre such a blessing! Your family love you!