This was good for me to read/hear today. As i struggle with the balance of giving too much or not giving enough. How do you strike the balance concerning this issue?
HEARTINESS V. HEARTLESSNESS TOWARDS OTHERS
"It is Christ . . . who also maketh intercession for us." "The Spirit . . . maketh intercession for the saints." Romans 8:34, 27
Do we need any more argument than this to become intercessors - that Christ "ever liveth to make intercession;" that the Holy Spirit "maketh intercession for the saints"? Are we living in such a vital relationship to our fellow men that we do the work of intercession as the Spirit-taught children of God?
Begin with the circumstances we are in - our homes, our business, our country, the present crisis as it touches us and others - are these things crushing us? Are they badgering us out of the presence of God and leaving us no time for worship? Then let us call a halt, and get into such living relationship with God that our relationship to others may be maintained on the line of intercession whereby God works His marvels.
Beware of outstripping God by your very longing to do His will. We run ahead of Him in a thousand and one activities, consequently we get so burdened with persons and with difficulties that we do not worship God, we do not intercede. If once the burden and the pressure come upon us and we are not in the worshipping attitude, it will produce not only hardness toward God but despair in our own souls.
God continually introduces us to people for whom we have no affinity, and unless we are worshipping God, the most natural thing to do is to treat them heartlessly, to give them a text like the jab of a spear, or leave them with a rapped-out counsel of God and go.
A heartless Christian must be a terrible grief to Our Lord.
Are we in the direct line of the intercession of our Lord and of the Holy Spirit?
Showing posts with label Homeschool. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Homeschool. Show all posts
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
When i first began my journey toward Christ as a woman, then wife and mom, this is who i looked to. I read everything she wrote that i could get my hands on. Here's her devo for today.
Title: Pick Up Your Cross
Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Jesus invites us to be his disciples. If we choose to accept his loving invitation, we must understand that there are certain conditions to be fulfilled. One of them is a willingness to accept the cross. Is this a once-for-all taking up of one particular burden? I don't think so. It seems to me that my "cross" is each particular occasion when I am given the chance to "die"--that is, to offer up my own will whenever it crosses Christ's. This happens very often. A disagreement with my husband can cause an argument and harsh words, even if the matter is ridiculously small--"When are you going to get that dashboard light fixed in the car?" I have already mentioned the light three times. It may be time to keep my mouth shut, but I don't want to keep my mouth shut. Here, then, is a chance to die. A decision which affects both of us may be a fairly big one, but we find ourselves on two sides of the fence. One of us, then, must "die." It is never easy for me. Shall I make excuses for myself (that's the way I am; it's my personality; it's the way I was raised; I'm tired; I can't hack it; it doesn't turn me on; you don't understand)--or shall I pick up this cross?
Perhaps my illustration seems to trivialize the cross of Christ. His was so unimaginably greater. What cross could I possibly take up which would be analogous? Just here is the lesson for me: when Jesus took up his cross, He was saying yes with all his being to the will of the Father. If I am unwilling to say yes in even a very little thing, how shall I accept a more painful thing? What sort of practice does it take for a disciple to learn to follow the Crucified? A friend hurts us, a plan goes awry, an effort fails--small things indeed. But then cancer strikes, a daughter marries unwisely, a business folds, a wife abandons her home and family. The call still comes to us: Take up your cross and come with Me. With You, Lord? Yes, with Me. Will You give me strength and show me the way? That was my promise--is it my custom to break promises?
Title: Pick Up Your Cross
Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Jesus invites us to be his disciples. If we choose to accept his loving invitation, we must understand that there are certain conditions to be fulfilled. One of them is a willingness to accept the cross. Is this a once-for-all taking up of one particular burden? I don't think so. It seems to me that my "cross" is each particular occasion when I am given the chance to "die"--that is, to offer up my own will whenever it crosses Christ's. This happens very often. A disagreement with my husband can cause an argument and harsh words, even if the matter is ridiculously small--"When are you going to get that dashboard light fixed in the car?" I have already mentioned the light three times. It may be time to keep my mouth shut, but I don't want to keep my mouth shut. Here, then, is a chance to die. A decision which affects both of us may be a fairly big one, but we find ourselves on two sides of the fence. One of us, then, must "die." It is never easy for me. Shall I make excuses for myself (that's the way I am; it's my personality; it's the way I was raised; I'm tired; I can't hack it; it doesn't turn me on; you don't understand)--or shall I pick up this cross?
Perhaps my illustration seems to trivialize the cross of Christ. His was so unimaginably greater. What cross could I possibly take up which would be analogous? Just here is the lesson for me: when Jesus took up his cross, He was saying yes with all his being to the will of the Father. If I am unwilling to say yes in even a very little thing, how shall I accept a more painful thing? What sort of practice does it take for a disciple to learn to follow the Crucified? A friend hurts us, a plan goes awry, an effort fails--small things indeed. But then cancer strikes, a daughter marries unwisely, a business folds, a wife abandons her home and family. The call still comes to us: Take up your cross and come with Me. With You, Lord? Yes, with Me. Will You give me strength and show me the way? That was my promise--is it my custom to break promises?
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Jewish Passover
I checked the calendar again this morning, as i like to do at the start of each new day. I trudged to it wondering, "what will today hold"? I noticed right away that typed in black on my calendar it said JEWISH PASSOVER. I immediately thought "something we should celebrate". The family talked quickly over Jewish Passover as everyone was preparing to embark on the day. I'm thankful Matt and James are alive and here! They are both first borns and the Jews celebrate Passover each year to commemorate the angel of death PASSING OVER their homes and sparing the first born sons of those who painted blood on their doorposts thousands of years ago.
WOW. How times change and if we are not careful our thinking shallows over time. Can you imagine something like that happening today in the world we live in here in America? What would the response and the reactions be?
I've had a most meaningful Lenten Season this year. I'm thankful God has allowed me to experience new things and gain some new perspectives. I'm thankful i still have a blog, though fb has caused me to neglect it more and more. For me, giving up facebook, for the most part, during this Lenten Season has helped me communicate more with others in other ways.
I pray this Season that God will reveal Himself, His Ways and His plans for you, to you, in a new way this coming week and weekend, especially.
WOW. How times change and if we are not careful our thinking shallows over time. Can you imagine something like that happening today in the world we live in here in America? What would the response and the reactions be?
I've had a most meaningful Lenten Season this year. I'm thankful God has allowed me to experience new things and gain some new perspectives. I'm thankful i still have a blog, though fb has caused me to neglect it more and more. For me, giving up facebook, for the most part, during this Lenten Season has helped me communicate more with others in other ways.
I pray this Season that God will reveal Himself, His Ways and His plans for you, to you, in a new way this coming week and weekend, especially.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
March: HONESTY!
Choosing to be truthful in whatever you say and do.
The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful. Proverbs 12:22
This month we will be focusing on the virtue of HONESTY, one of my favorites!
Why is HONESTY one of my favorites? I think because it was a virtue I REALLY had to WORK on growing up :)
As most of us have probably learned in one way or another, HONESTY is VERY important in life. It’s a building block to so many other things, like a brick in a wall that when taken out can crumble the whole wall.
Here’s something we’ll be discussing with our kids this month:Richard Nixon has almost completed his first term as president when members of the team working on his re-election broke into the opposing political party’s headquarters to spy on them. Nixon and his staff attempted to cover up the break-in. Then Nixon denied knowing anything about it. When people found out what had happened, they started a process to have Nixon removed from the presidency.
What do you think?
How was Nixon dishonest?
How might things have been different if President Nixon hadn’t tried to cover up the break-in?
Have you ever had a hard time trusting someone because of a lie they told you?
If you chose to tell a lie, what might it do to the way people think about you?
Taken from March Family Times Pact www.familytimes.org
Choosing to be truthful in whatever you say and do.
The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful. Proverbs 12:22
This month we will be focusing on the virtue of HONESTY, one of my favorites!
Why is HONESTY one of my favorites? I think because it was a virtue I REALLY had to WORK on growing up :)
As most of us have probably learned in one way or another, HONESTY is VERY important in life. It’s a building block to so many other things, like a brick in a wall that when taken out can crumble the whole wall.
Here’s something we’ll be discussing with our kids this month:Richard Nixon has almost completed his first term as president when members of the team working on his re-election broke into the opposing political party’s headquarters to spy on them. Nixon and his staff attempted to cover up the break-in. Then Nixon denied knowing anything about it. When people found out what had happened, they started a process to have Nixon removed from the presidency.
What do you think?
How was Nixon dishonest?
How might things have been different if President Nixon hadn’t tried to cover up the break-in?
Have you ever had a hard time trusting someone because of a lie they told you?
If you chose to tell a lie, what might it do to the way people think about you?
Taken from March Family Times Pact www.familytimes.org
Monday, February 8, 2010
February Virtue
HONOR
a small word with profound meaning and action
"Letting someone know you see how valuable they really are." Honor.
Love each other deeply. Honor one another more than yourselves. Romans 12:10
Wow. What does that LOOK like?
We will be studying Honor this month at home and with your church family. We will work on in our home and in our community loving deeply, honoring others and letting them know how valuable they really are.
John-John got us off to a good start last week by writing a thank you note to our postal carrier. Letting him know that we appreciated him and his service to us and others. The kids also wanted to thank the snow plows and the trash men! I second that! Since moving into the city limits that has been one of the biggest blessings, having my trash picked up! I just love it!
Think of others in your life and around you that make like "easier" for you and show them HONOR!
a small word with profound meaning and action
"Letting someone know you see how valuable they really are." Honor.
Love each other deeply. Honor one another more than yourselves. Romans 12:10
Wow. What does that LOOK like?
We will be studying Honor this month at home and with your church family. We will work on in our home and in our community loving deeply, honoring others and letting them know how valuable they really are.
John-John got us off to a good start last week by writing a thank you note to our postal carrier. Letting him know that we appreciated him and his service to us and others. The kids also wanted to thank the snow plows and the trash men! I second that! Since moving into the city limits that has been one of the biggest blessings, having my trash picked up! I just love it!
Think of others in your life and around you that make like "easier" for you and show them HONOR!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Walking on the Greenway
We went to Riverfront park today to walk the greenway and I forgot the camera, so I had to resort to the camera on the cellphone. It a beautiful day and so warm that we didn't want to miss out
James found a vine that seemed to be used for swinging like Tarzan and gave it a try. Actually, John-John was the willing one to try it out, then James went for it after him.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
And the Winner IS......
Matthew Woodard!!
This is a type of Assassin Bug called a Wheel Bug.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheel_bug
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassin_bug
October 21, 2008 12:36 PM
Anne, you called right after him but did post first, however, I think he wins the Bug Prize and you win the Chigger prize...stayed tuned for details of the prizes and when you should expect it. THANKS for playing and now we have a science lesson for this afternoon :)
This is a type of Assassin Bug called a Wheel Bug.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheel_bug
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassin_bug
October 21, 2008 12:36 PM
Anne, you called right after him but did post first, however, I think he wins the Bug Prize and you win the Chigger prize...stayed tuned for details of the prizes and when you should expect it. THANKS for playing and now we have a science lesson for this afternoon :)
Prize for figuring out what kind of bug this is!!
We found this bug outside today. We are not sure what kind of bug it is and need some help. We tried quickly looking it up in our Peterson's First Guide to Insects but couldn't find it. If you can figure it out, we'll come up with a prize.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
What a Day!
On a spur of the moment decision I decided to take the boys on a 4 hour canoe trip today with two other homeschooling families. We actually got in the water at 10:40am and got to our final destination at 4:30pm. How long did I say it was supposed to be? 4 hours? Ok, so it took us 6 hours but it was worth every minute!! One of the homeschool dads has an adventure business that he conducts on the side and it's awesome! A treasure to us each time we've participated over the last two years, check them out @ http://www.robertoaksadventures.com/ Here's the blurp for our adventure today:
Canoe trip down the Barren Fork of the Collins river, We will be leaving from just below the dam at the park below the Frank G Clement Bridge about 10:00 am. Our take out is at the ramp near the VFW. The trip will last about 4 hours. We will shuttle people back to the park to pick up there cars. The Barren Fork is an easy moving senic river with many small but fun rapids.Suitable for beginers and still fun for the more expirianced alike.Expect to encounter Wood Ducks, Canadian Geese, Blue Heron, King Fishers, plenty of turtles. On recent trips down the Barren fork I've encountered playfull River Otters.
We encountered ALL the wildlife mentioned above, plus cows, horses and donkeys and explored a cave and found many treasures there, stalagmites, stalagtites, columes, a beautiful fugus growing out of racoon dung, racoon tracks and many observations of how the water has cut into the cave and made so many different patterns. And most impressive was the little 8 year old girl who caught a fish, crawfish, toads and anything else she could with her hands to show everyone! She and James were the best 8 year old kayak duo I have ever seen, like 2 peas in a pod!! And they saved many many articles of clothing, drinks and canoe paddles after two of the canoes capsized behind them, they were everyday RESCUE HEROS today and no my boat was not one of the ones that filled with water. I actually remained dry all day and I think I was the only one.....how did that happen??? James also had his first experience swimming through a current today, he did great! He said it was alittle scary but he took on the challenged like a real adventurer!!
Hopefully I can post the pics soon. I'm exhausted and the trip went so long we missed church. We'll all sleep VERY well tonight!
THANKS OAKS!!! It was AWESOME!!!
p.s. I know I've gone overload on the posts lately but please take the time to read the uncovering the truth about modesty if you take the time to read nothing else :)
Canoe trip down the Barren Fork of the Collins river, We will be leaving from just below the dam at the park below the Frank G Clement Bridge about 10:00 am. Our take out is at the ramp near the VFW. The trip will last about 4 hours. We will shuttle people back to the park to pick up there cars. The Barren Fork is an easy moving senic river with many small but fun rapids.Suitable for beginers and still fun for the more expirianced alike.Expect to encounter Wood Ducks, Canadian Geese, Blue Heron, King Fishers, plenty of turtles. On recent trips down the Barren fork I've encountered playfull River Otters.
We encountered ALL the wildlife mentioned above, plus cows, horses and donkeys and explored a cave and found many treasures there, stalagmites, stalagtites, columes, a beautiful fugus growing out of racoon dung, racoon tracks and many observations of how the water has cut into the cave and made so many different patterns. And most impressive was the little 8 year old girl who caught a fish, crawfish, toads and anything else she could with her hands to show everyone! She and James were the best 8 year old kayak duo I have ever seen, like 2 peas in a pod!! And they saved many many articles of clothing, drinks and canoe paddles after two of the canoes capsized behind them, they were everyday RESCUE HEROS today and no my boat was not one of the ones that filled with water. I actually remained dry all day and I think I was the only one.....how did that happen??? James also had his first experience swimming through a current today, he did great! He said it was alittle scary but he took on the challenged like a real adventurer!!
Hopefully I can post the pics soon. I'm exhausted and the trip went so long we missed church. We'll all sleep VERY well tonight!
THANKS OAKS!!! It was AWESOME!!!
p.s. I know I've gone overload on the posts lately but please take the time to read the uncovering the truth about modesty if you take the time to read nothing else :)
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Jackson Academy....a way of Life
Some people have been asking me about our schedule so I thought I would just post it and then it's on here for those that might find it interesting.
6:30amYoungest usually arise and watch alittle PBS while Matt and I arise and have some Q.T.
7:00-8:00am Everyone, rise and shine and give God the glory!
8:00-9:00am Breakfast, getting dressed, hygene and morning household responsibilities. Those that finish early get to play outside or pick an activity to do until beginning of school(but No t.v. or video/computer games)
9:00am School begins. Opening prayer and other opening activities that vary from day to day or week to week. Older children work relatively independently on things they can accomplish on their own, like Math and Language Arts sheets, updating calendar, journal writing or reading. Little ones watch Seasame St. or play relatively independently with one another or alone. I am finishing up morning work myself and going from here to there helping those that need it and/or playing with little ones.
10:30am Snack and quick break
10:30-12:00 Finish up morning work/play. Clean up.
12:00 Lunch and recess
12:30-2:30 Naps and quiet rest time, reading for olders or finishing up school work that I need to directly teach or help with like science and history.
2:30-3:00 Wrap up school day. And little ones arise.
3:00 PLAYTIME and snack!!!
4:30pm Dinner prep. begins and Pick up Time
6:00pm Dinner and evening activities
8:00pm Begin getting ready for bed and Pick up Time
9:00pm Q.T. for Matt and I.......awwwwww!!! We made it through another day :)
Thursdays at 10:30am we visit the local Library for storytime for the little ones and picking out books covering subjects we are studying for the older kids.
We try to keep the t.v. off (except for alittle PBS for the little ones) until after 3:00 or all your "work" has been done. T.V., video/computer games are a privledge in our home and are earned or taken away accordingly.
*morning responsibilities-some people call them chores, we call them jobs and no they don't get paid for chores. We tried lots of those different tricks and it didn't work and I didn't really like all the gimics to try to get them to do things that they should do anyway. It's just a part of their responsiblity of being in the family. Learning to take care of themselves and to take care of others. Morning responsibilities include things like feeding pets, gathering dirty laundry, putting up clean laundry, emptying the dishwasher, making beds, getting dressed, brushing teeth and hair, etc. picking up. Playing with the little ones.
Highly Recommended Homeschool Books:
Better Late than Early
A Mother's Rule of Life
p.s. I also added slide show pics to the last post of our b'ham visit, thanks Ash!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Here's one for the Parents and Kids
Many of you know that we have chosen to homeschool our children and it has become for us a way of LIFE that we all LOVE. Here's an article that I recieved and it relates not only to homeschooling but parenting in todays world. Enjoy and keep "going against the grain", it's worth all the flack you get!
Can You Shelter a Child TOO Much?
By Gena Suarez
Do you "shelter" your children? We're finding that's a bad word in some circles. Something is creeping into the church (and even the homeschooling community), and it isn't biblical. It is an "anti-sheltering campaign" of sorts, and it's full of holes. Think about it. What does it mean to shelter? Protect. Defend. Guard. Preserve. Watch over. Shield. Safeguard. Hmmmm, so far so good, right? Sure, until "pop psychology" comes in and tells us we should allow our children to taste a little of the world in order to understand it or pray for it - that we should not "over-shelter" them. Nonsense. What's the opposite of shelter? Expose. Endanger. We parents are called to be like our Father in Heaven. He is the greatest "Shelterer" there ever was, and it is us He shelters - or watches over; protecting us, preserving us, shielding us. Praise Him for this! Glory to God who knows how to parent (shelter) us perfectly. May we as parents follow this model - His model. Let's continue to shelter (love) our children as He loves us. Dismiss the garbage that crawls in; don't buy it. We're promised there will be false teachers, liars in the church (and there are many). I want to keep my eyes focused on Christ, come what may.Parents: Keep sheltering them. You are bringing them up in the love and admonition of the Lord, not in the latest "philosophy." God's word trumps any speaker! It dwarfs any author! May you be blessed as you continue to walk in obedience of His word. Lord, thank you for sheltering me. Please never stop. "Over-shelter" if You will (if there is such a thing). Fine with me! Over-protect, over-defend, over-guard me; please do! I'll take it all, Lord. Keep me tight to Your side. I'm safe in that place. There, I can breathe and thrive. It's where I live.For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. - Psalms 61:3 Action point: Do you need to repent to someone today for looking down on (judging) them? Have you been a thorn in another parent's side over this issue? Who have you scolded or cryptically "spoken to" about their "overbearance" in regards to their own children? It might be time to humbly pick up the phone or shoot off an email. Parents who strongly shelter their children are to be praised, not made to feel inadequate or odd. That's the world lying to us, there. And this world is not our home.
By Gena Suarez
Do you "shelter" your children? We're finding that's a bad word in some circles. Something is creeping into the church (and even the homeschooling community), and it isn't biblical. It is an "anti-sheltering campaign" of sorts, and it's full of holes. Think about it. What does it mean to shelter? Protect. Defend. Guard. Preserve. Watch over. Shield. Safeguard. Hmmmm, so far so good, right? Sure, until "pop psychology" comes in and tells us we should allow our children to taste a little of the world in order to understand it or pray for it - that we should not "over-shelter" them. Nonsense. What's the opposite of shelter? Expose. Endanger. We parents are called to be like our Father in Heaven. He is the greatest "Shelterer" there ever was, and it is us He shelters - or watches over; protecting us, preserving us, shielding us. Praise Him for this! Glory to God who knows how to parent (shelter) us perfectly. May we as parents follow this model - His model. Let's continue to shelter (love) our children as He loves us. Dismiss the garbage that crawls in; don't buy it. We're promised there will be false teachers, liars in the church (and there are many). I want to keep my eyes focused on Christ, come what may.Parents: Keep sheltering them. You are bringing them up in the love and admonition of the Lord, not in the latest "philosophy." God's word trumps any speaker! It dwarfs any author! May you be blessed as you continue to walk in obedience of His word. Lord, thank you for sheltering me. Please never stop. "Over-shelter" if You will (if there is such a thing). Fine with me! Over-protect, over-defend, over-guard me; please do! I'll take it all, Lord. Keep me tight to Your side. I'm safe in that place. There, I can breathe and thrive. It's where I live.For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. - Psalms 61:3 Action point: Do you need to repent to someone today for looking down on (judging) them? Have you been a thorn in another parent's side over this issue? Who have you scolded or cryptically "spoken to" about their "overbearance" in regards to their own children? It might be time to humbly pick up the phone or shoot off an email. Parents who strongly shelter their children are to be praised, not made to feel inadequate or odd. That's the world lying to us, there. And this world is not our home.
Sincerely, Paul and Gena Suarez Publishers
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