Help the West Ladies Build a New Homestead!

Our sweet friends, the Wests (of Homestead Blessings), are in need right now....They have to move and build a place to live within a few months, and they'd really appreciate donations, as well as prayer!  The sooner the goal is met, the better, so they can start and complete their house!  Please consider donating and sharing the link. :)

Also, read more about this on their blog.

Lovely New Years' Post

Check out this lovely post by a friend who takes great photos!  She also posted a beautiful poem from The Valley of Vision.

Lyrics and Quote from the Treasury of David

Hymn of Gethsemane - quite lovely!

Verse 12. For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head. We lose ourselves when we speak of the sins of our lives. It may astonish any considering man to take notice how many sins he is guilty of any one day; how many sins accompany any one single act; nay, how many bewray themselves in any one religious duty. Whensoever ye do anything forbidden, you omit the duty at that time commanded; and whenever you neglect that which is enjoined, the omission is joined with the acting of something forbidden; so that the sin, whether omission or commission, is always double; nay, the apostle makes every sin tenfold. James 2:10. That which seems one to us, according to the sense of the law, and the account of God, is multiplied by ten. He breaks every command by sinning directly against one, and so sins ten times at once; besides that swarm of sinful circumstances and aggravations which surround every act in such numbers, as atoms use to surround your body in a dusty room; you may more easily number these than those. And though some count these but fractions, incomplete sins, yet even from hence it is more difficult to take an account of their number. And, which is more for astonishment, pick out the best religious duty that ever you performed, and even in that performance you may find such a swarm of sins as cannot be numbered. In the best prayer that ever you put up to God, irreverence, lukewarmness, unbelief, spiritual pride, self seeking, hypocrisy, distractions, etc., and many more, that an enlightened soul grieves and bewails; and yet there are many more that the pure eye of God discerns, than any man does take notice of. -- David Clarkson.

Two Sites for Buying Organic/Natural Products

Here are two sites for buying natural/organic products!  We've been inspired to use more of them after going to the Reformation of Food and the Family Conference, because some of the chemicals and things can really be harmful to us. (It was a great conference, by the way! There was a lot to learn and fun cooking contests.)

We are friends with these people. And from what we've tried of them so far, we really do like their products, and have heard good testimonials.

First is Dominion Acres, run by a lovely Christian family. We've tried their honey, some of their soap, their shampoo bar, and a couple of their lip balms (Lemon Meringue and Black Cherry).  It's all good!  I've only used the shampoo bar twice so far, but it had some lather and seemed to clean my hair about as well as any shampoo!  I was a bit skeptical about it at first, but seriously...it does seem to work well, and smells nice, too. 

The second is Naturally Green Girl by our two sweet and knowledgeable Christian friends, Hannah and Esther.  We haven't tried their stuff, yet, but we've had a testimonial from a friend who said their underarm deodorant worked well.  We have their cookbook, OATS: That's What's for Breakfast, which includes lovely color photos, and almost half are gluten free. I've only tried one of the simpler recipes from it so far, but it was good.

Sermon Link

I listened to this Spurgeon sermon today, and I have to say it made me wonder about myself.  Why is there so little zeal for God in my life?  I needed the questioning, the rebuke, the refreshing.  Spurgeon does lay it on frankly and perhaps over-dogmatically, but in the end he confesses his sin, too, so I realize that though I sin, God is a great Savior, yet I dare not use that as an excuse for lethargy.  And it is also a message for the lost, those seeking God.  Please take a listen.  Holy Violence

The Courtship/Betrothal Debate

I've always kind of wondered whether courtship was the best route, or just betrothal. Betrothal seemed more biblical, but courtship seemed to work and be exciting and logical.  But there are dangers to it.  And is it biblical?  Can courtship and betrothal work together?  That's how one of my siblings did it.  I'm still left with a few questions, but I'm leaning more toward betrothal, without a courtship period, since courtship is not found in the Bible, and we are to go by that rather than our heart or what we think will work. I believe the fathers/mothers should have a deep discussion with the young man before deciding on going forward with betrothal, perhaps even a questionnaire for him to fill out (as my brother's in-laws had him fill out), but I can see this working.  Will it always work out perfectly?  Probably not, for man is sinful, and sometimes unexpected things do come up.  Is it more likely to work out than courtship?  Perhaps so.  But I'm no authority, having never gone through dating, courting, or betrothal.  Here is a link that discusses courtship and betrothal in more length:

Betrothal: Should We Kiss Courtship Goodbye?

Read it, then fill out my poll on the subject, if you would, please. I did forget engagement on some of the answers in the poll, so you'll have to assume that is meant along with "dating," "courting," and "just friendship." :\

IndoctriNation

IndoctriNation Trailer from IndoctriNation on Vimeo.


We watched this film recently and I highly recommend it.  It shows some of the serious problems with public schools via interviews, court cases, and facts. Some of it may shock you.  Please watch and support this film!

Homekeeping Book & Magazine Giveaway

There is a giveaway going on here, for a book and The King's Blooming Rose magazine subscription!  Deadline for entry is Dec. 5.

More Links

Here is a free kindle recipe book for Thanksgiving. (There are a lot of free kindle books on amazon, if you happen to have a kindle.)

Here are some excellent articles by my sweet new friend...

Redeeming Your Time

Are Stay-At-Home Daughters Repressed?

The Blessing of Babies

Links

Our friend, Sophia, wrote this lovely post about family and young womanhood. Please check it out!  What is a Girl to Do?

Also, this article has inspired me/convicted me.

Links!

Western Conservatory is giving away a free subscription to their webinar on marrying well! With a wide range of topics, including the deadly danger of worry and maintaining peace and harmony between families, you will certainly find something to address your questions. To enter, go HERE and follow instructions.

Here are some limited-time-only online films that I recommend:

Divided - http://www.dividedthemovie.com/

Why are we seeing so many young people leaving the church? Are youth groups helping or hindering? This is an important film examining what is going on and what we can do about it.

Burzynski - http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/06/11/burzynski-the-movie.asp

Mr. Burzynski discovered an amazing cancer treatment, but instead of helping to spread the good news, the FDA has done all they could to stop him. If you don't have time to watch the whole thing, please just watch the first 15 minutes. Believe me, it is worth your time.

TSA Invasion of Privacy

TSA is supposed to keep us safe, yet their invasion of privacy goes against our God-given and Constitutional rights. There are a number of people here in TX who are fighting against them by trying to pass a bill against the "advanced pat-down," or groping. Please be in prayer on this and possibly write or call! It could be a huge opening for other states to follow suit, and would be a major blessing for us here.

A dear, sweet woman from our church has recently had some run-ins with the TSA. Please read and imagine how that would feel. Perhaps you've had similar things happen to you.

1st Personal TSA Story (It is not graphic at all.)

Here is a site where you can find more info on how to help in the cause: TSA Tyranny - Keep Austin Free

How to Die Like a Christian Man

Please read this article on WWII veterans and their sacrifice and love for God, family, and country!

Also consider being a part of their online tour--I'm sure it will be a blessing and great learning tool.

Important Links and Quotes

I'm sure you are all aware of the devastation from the tornadoes in AL and elsewhere. But perhaps you are not aware of how you can physically help (prayers are always appreciated)! Here is a site for donations to be given. And here is more info about their stories. Please consider their plight--how you would feel in such a situation--and how we as brethren should be helping!

I'm also hoping that this cause will be funded before the deadline runs out in 6 days! It is for WWII veterans. We never know if this will be used for their salvation, or how it will edify others.

And lastly, here are some good quotes from Spurgeon (you can find them in the book Humility and How to Get It)....

'As to our own experience of trial and of delivering mercy, it is sent for our good, and we should endeavour to profit to the utmost by it: but it was never intended that it should end with our private and personal benefit. In the kingdom of God no man liveth unto himself. We are bound to comfort others by the comfort wherewith the Lord hath comforted us. We are under solemn obligation to seek out mourners, and such as are in tried circumstances, that we may communicate to them the cheering testimony which we are able personally to bear to the love and faithfulness of God. Our Lord has handed out to us spiritual riches of joy that we may communicate thereof to others who are in need of consolation through great tribulation.'

'Do not think less of the believer who says, "My experience is only this:--
'I'm a poor sinner, and nothing at all,
But Jesus Christ is my all in all.' " '

'I find written in the infallible Book that if I trust the Lord Jesus He will perform His office of Saviour upon me. I have trusted Him, and He has saved me. "Is that all the witness you have?" says one. What more witness do I want? I may be able to mention certain incidents which attend my conversion; but these are not my hope. I place no reliance upon what I have thought, or seen, or felt. If anybody could prove that I never saw, and never felt, and never heard anything of the kind, I should not be troubled about it, for one thing I know--I know that I heard that text, "Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth"; and I did look, and I was saved. What is more, if I did not then look, and was not then saved, I do not care twopence to contest the point, for I am looking now, and therefore I am saved. That is the comfort: we have not to rely on past faith, but still to go on believing. Looking unto Jesus ever; coming to Him always: that is the true position for peace.'

Another Post on Reading

If you haven't read this post by Chantel yet, please do! Especially if you are an avid reader.

The Reading Balance

What's a Girl to Read?

This article by Elisabeth Allen is very good...something I wish I could have read when I was younger.

What's a Girl to Read?

Soap Giveaway

Natural handmade soap--lovely! There's a giveaway going on right now for three bars of handmade soap from Apple Valley. Click here to see.

Reading Challenge, 2011

Reading Chantel's worthy goals at the above link have convicted me. Was I really reading everything that met up with Philippians 4:8? My problem is if I own a book, I it's almost like I have to read it before getting rid of it, even if I'm not sure it will be that good, and once I start reading a book, I like to finish it. I try to read things that aren't defiling, but perhaps it's time to reexamine even the "harmless" fluffy books, ones Christian in name, but hardly in spirit. Maybe I can skim them over to decide if they are worth reading before I read them, as I did with a few that I decided to give away or trade on paperbackswap. Our move to a new house prompted that in part. But I do want to be pleasing to God, to think on the pure and lovely things. I know I'm weak and give in often, but the Lord is strong, and I'm praying He will help me to do far better this year. Hoping that you will join me in the adventure, and read the books that really do get through to you...in a good way.

~~~~~

My goals, then, are to read books that are more spiritually or practically helpful. Fewer fiction books. I'm going to set the goal of at least 10 nonfiction Christian books. No more than 10 fiction books. And probably a few classics or other nonfiction books.

Last year I read 8 nonfiction Christian books, plus the Bible. 3 classics. 6 secular nonfiction books. And a whopping 25 random fiction books. A little off-balanced, wouldn't you say? Hoping I can do things a little differently this year! If I do read more than 10 fiction books, I want to make sure they are good ones, and I'm especially trying to stay away from romance in the modern sense.

I didn't start off too well, perhaps, but it could have been worse. Yesterday I started and today I finished Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana by Melanie Dobson, which was not as much a romance as it sounds by the title. More of a historical novel, with some romance at the end.

Now I am starting to read the classic theology book called The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul, which I received free--thank you, Ligonier Ministries! It is already a very thought-provoking book and one I think I can really recommend.

I also want to finish at least most of the 15 other books I started last year or before!

Various

We have been packing up boxes in preparation to move to our new place. We have had volunteers of help from church--so gracious--and last week they helped move a bunch of furniture over. The new place has a large fenced-in garden that will be my mom's delight, but also a place for my sister and me to invest in and learn from...and perhaps I'll get to grow some butternut squash or something equally delightful. I have never done much gardening at all, but I think I will enjoy it once I get into the swing of things.

We know some people who are putting together a movie about Christian manhood, vengeance, and other themes. They hope to raise enough money to help with all the technical details before January 1. What is this movie? Jimmy Valiant: Scions of Danger. If you can spare even a dollar to give them, I'm sure they would appreciate it. Click here if you want to pledge your support.

Winter time is here, but in Texas there is hardly ever any snow. Soon "Christmas" will be here. Yet in our house there will be no gifts to wrap, no tree to decorate. Why? Well, for one, Jesus was not likely born in the winter. Then, the Bible says specifically to remember His death, though we are to remember His miraculous birth, as well. But most of all, I think my concern is the pagan origins of the holiday. Can something pagan be sanctified by Christians? Perhaps, but not if all the same elements are left in, such as Christmas trees and Santa Claus. The ties to the original meanings are too strong. Yet I struggle, because I like the look of twinkling lights and decorated trees, and in and of themselves I don't believe they are wrong. But on the same day as a pagan holiday first took place, and syncretized with Christian beliefs (first by Catholics, I think)....Can God be pleased with this? One may say the heart is the most important, and it is, but God always had His special ways of doing things, and was angry if it was not done in just the right way, and if holy was mixed with profane.

Anyway, for us, this holiday has always been off limits, and I think that is how it will stay for me. Let us rejoice daily that Jesus came, was born sinless, and died the spotless Lamb of God for sinful wretches!

In a similar vein, I have been thinking about books and movies such as The Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings. There are supposed to be Christian elements to them, and I can see them at least in TCON and have enjoyed the movies in part, but there are also pagan elements mixed in (such as fawns and other half-man half-animal beings). Is God pleased with this, even if I seem to get something good out of it? I have justified it, but seeing the correlation to Christmas has jarred my thoughts here....Does that mean I'll never, ever watch the movies? Not necessarily. I'm still mulling that one over.

Hymn

This is a lovely hymn, as are many on this site:
http://songsandhymns.org/hymns/lyrics/ah-holy-jesus-how-hast-thou-offended