Sunday, November 29, 2009

First Sunday of Advent: Hope

"Comfort ye, comfort ye My people, saith your God.  Speak ye comfortably to (to the heart) Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD's hand double for all her sins.  The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.  Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: and the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.  The Voice said, Cry.  And he said, What shall I cry?  All flesh is grass, and the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field:  The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.  The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever.  O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up,be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!  Behold,the LORD God will come with strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him: behold, his reward is with Him, and His work before Him.  He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young."   - Isaiah 40:1-11

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Random Rambling

Today I'm afraid I don't have a book review.  Sad.  But this week I haven't so much as touched a book except for my Bible.  I know, I guess I've been pretty lazy this week.  I have been working on my Christmas gifts I'm making though.  Give me a little bit of credit.  So today I'll just do a little bit of Random Rambling. 

I haven't talked about Liberty in awhile.  The latest update is that she is "20 lbs of pure baby fat", Mom says. And only 3 months!  Well, as I've said before, I like chubby babies the best.  Liberty just keeps getting more cute every day!  Don't you think so as well?



I think she is the most adorable baby!  I tell Mom that in different faces she makes, her little cheeks remind me of puppy cheeks.  I love that though.

So now Christmas is only 27 more days.  I'm afraid that from now on I'll be counting down the days.  I'm sure no one will mind.  Everybody has to be ready for Christmas.  I know I am!  Actually, although we live in Georgia, it has started to turn a little chilly.  I don't mind though.  When we first moved down to Georgia from Indiana I was quite glad of the warmer weather in winter, as well as the "no snow" thing.  But now, alas!  I would love to have a White Christmas this year!  I have actually been praying for one.  Don't tell my mom though - I don't think she really would like any snow.  But perhaps she has changed her mind too.

Yesterday we kids went outside for awhile, and although is was a little chilly, I know others in the "Northern" states probably have it a lot worse. (I really feel sorry for all you Northern people - in more ways than one.)  But I like the chilly weather sometimes.  At night I can snuggle under the blankets, keeping warm and happy.  I love that about chilly weather.  Besides, the chilly weather really tells me Christmas is coming!  Yay!

I guess that is enough Random Rambling for now.  Maybe some more later?  Depends.  Right now I need to get ready to head out to the store with Mom.  This Sunday we start Advent and we need some candles.  So off we go! (I'll talk more about Advent later if I get the chance.  Anyway, I'll tell you sometime.)

Friday, November 27, 2009

Thanksgiving is over...now comes Christmas!

Well, Thanksgiving is over.  I for one had a very blessed Thanksgiving day.  I hope everyone else did too.

 Yesterday we had so much food!  I just had to take a picture of our turkey.  Look delicious?

 

I didn't take a picture of all the food...that would've been too too much.  But I did take another picture - of Grace's peach cobbler!  It sure was yummy!  But everything was.  I had no complaints.



 Now I am especially ready for Christmas.  Actually, we have started listening to Christmas music today.  What fun!  Now I need to get very busy and finish all my Christmas gifts I'm making.  Only 28 more days!  Christmas, here we come!

I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving, one they will never forget!  This was our first Thanksgiving in Barnesville, GA, and I know I will never forget it! 

Here are a couple pictures I have taken recently. Fall 09.



      Mommy's Little Eskimo


Fall Sisters!


Mom's Decoration. No, it isn't fake! These are real right off a tree!





Cousins! Both very sweet!


Yep, it's fall time!


Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Thanksgiving, anyone?


I am ready for tomorrow.  Are holidays ever busy at your house?  Thanksgiving - nah, (well, we'll see tomorrow) but Christmas - YES.  As much as I can recall, Christmas at our house has always been pretty busy.  But that is beside the point.  Thanksgiving is one of my second favorite holidays.  Thanksgiving and Christmas pretty much tie together for me.

Thanksgiving is special.  We all are thankful for the many blessings which God has given us.  Yes, I agree we should all be thankful, but we should be thankful every day, not just on Thanksgiving.  Whether rich or poor, sick or in health, we can still be thankful for everything God has done for us.  Truly, if we started counting our blessings, we wouldn't be able to stop!  There is so much!  As for whether some may be poor, we can always be rich in God's love and mercy.  That is something to think about.

I won't go through every single thing I'm thankful for (I'm afraid I wouldn't have enough room for that) but I would like to list the five top things that God has given me.  Of course, every blessing is very important, but like I said, there isn't enough space for everything.

  1. The love of Jesus Christ wherewith He loved me so much that He died for me.  I think that kind of love is amazing!  It is the only true kind of love. If we all had that kind of love, nothing could hinder us.  But, we are not perfect - only He is.  I am so thankful form salvation.  Sometimes my sins and doubts get me down, but He is always there to lift me up.  That You, LORD God almighty!
  2. I am also very grateful for my wonderful parents and siblings.  Even though all families have their own share of troubles, we are under the law of God - He is always leading us through fire and through water, through peace and through war.  We as a family have a responsibility to shine forth Christ in this crazy world.  Although it may be hard a lot, we still have that duty.  Besides, families are great!  Even though we go through our own share of difficulty, we still have lots of fun!  We can be ourselves, (which is hard to do in this day and age) act goofy, giggle, laugh all the time, joke around, just having a good ole time!  As for a big family...we can build our own baseball, kickball, football, etc. teams.  Everybody has at least one person around all the time, most times no one is left out - it is so good to have so many family members around all the time!  We need never be lonely.
  3. Friends are also very important.  Many a person would be very unhappy indeed if there was not a friend to help them through.  Whether Jesus Christ, the ultimate Friend, or a friend on earth that God has placed us in our lives.  Without Jesus Christ my Saviour, my oh-so-wonderful family, and true loving friends, I would be nothing.  Absolutely n.o.t.h.i.n.g.
  4. Who doesn't love food?  I could roll my eyes.  Unfortunately some of us love it too much...just kidding!  Thanksgiving is one of the times where so much good food! is torturing us with the delicious aromas. Plus, without food and nourishment, we would die.  Thankfully God supplies us with everything we need.
  5. To sum it all up, I am so thankful for every blessing God has bestowed upon me.  Although I don't deserve anything, He has still richly blessed me with so much more than I deserve.  Hallelujah!

Just in case I don't get to write a post tomorrow, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!  May this Thanksgiving be more bountiful and blessed more than any other on your life.  God bless!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Sabbath Meditations

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."  -2 Timothy 2:15

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Saturday Book Review: The Real Lincoln

Everyone knows about Abraham Lincoln. No doubt about that. He is considered one of the greatest American Presidents and the favorite of many.

However, nobody knows him for what he really was.  Did you know that Lincoln didn't really free the slaves, contrary to popular belief?   Did you also that the real reason for the War of Southern Independence wasn't slavery? Although these things defy the modern perception, they are true.

  Lincoln was not the man everybody makes him out to be today.  Let's take a look at what Mr. Thomas Dilorenzo writes in his book The Real Lincoln.  If you read the book you will uncover many facts history books do not tell us today.
 

Have you ever wondered why slavery took a war to "supposedly" end it?  What if I told you it didn't take a war to end it?  No, slavery wasn't the cause of the War for Southern Independence. (By the way, that war is most commonly known as the "Civil War."  But a civil war is a war for control of a single government.  The Confederate states didn't want to rule the North - they wanted to be separate from them, to gain independence.  It was the Union that wanted to subject the seceded states to accept northern/federal government rule.)

This is the first thing I want to talk about: Slavery.  Lincoln was all for the "freeing of the slaves", right?  Humph.  Another "mixed-up" myth in modern revisionism.  No, he was not!  He wasn't for racial equality, he was opposed to it!  He didn't believe that "all men are created equal."  Instead, he referred to African Americans, Mexicans, and probably all colored people, as "inferiors." (Same mindset as Adolf Hitler in Nazi Germany that started the great Holocaust.)

Lincoln actually defended the rights of slave owners to own their "property."  He said, "when they remind us of their constitutional rights [to own slaves], I acknowledge them, not grudgingly, but fully and fairly; and I would give them any legislation for the reclaiming of their fugitives."

Lincoln had no intention whatsoever of doing anything about slavery, particularly Southern slavery.  In his first Inaugural Address, Lincoln said, "I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so."  A man who is considered to have upheld the rights of all men?  This couldn't be the same man, could it?  Yes, the very same.    Lincoln was and is known as "Honest Abe", but he should be known as "Dishonest Abe."  He was a politician after all.  Aren't all politicians, or at least most all, liars, sneaks, frauds, and cheaters?  He, Abraham Lincoln, was one of them.

Now let's take a look at the Emancipation Proclamation.  Everybody knows about that as well.  The document that "freed" the slaves.  But Lincoln (a politician and lawyer) crafted the proclamation in such a way so that slaves would really not be emancipated.  When the Emancipation Proclamation was proclaimed, it applied only to rebel territory, although the federal armies occupied most of the South.  Then those places were exempted by name in the proclamation.    The slaves were really not freed.  Here is what the London Spectator said about the Emancipation Proclamation: "The principle is not that a human being cannot justly own another, but that he cannot own him unless he is loyal to the United States."  Lincoln was pretty crafty.  He knew he gave no guarantee for the emancipation of the slaves.

What about the War?  If slavery wasn't the issue, what was?  It was simply, States rights.  The Southern states still believed in Freedom and Liberty.  They still believed in maintaining their rights.  The federal government really didn't have power over them - if anything, the states had more power over the federal government.  After all, it was the people that created the federal government and gave it the powers specified in the Constitution.  But, of course, the federal government couldn't be satisfied.  They wanted all the power and control.

When the Southern states seceded from the Union, Lincoln sent soldiers to force them back.  But the Southerners were not going to give up that easily.  They also rounded up an army, one of the greatest, in my opinion.  With General Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, along with many other great men, the Confederates won some great military battles.  But alas!  How devastating the War was!  Unfortunately, the South didn't have everything the North did - factories, guns, cannons, supplies, shoes, clothes, blankets, food, gun powder, and not near as many soldiers.   However, even against such odds, the Southern army still took a great stand, one that should go down in history forever.

In the end, the South lost.  Because of that, we are still reaping the benefits of Lincoln's agenda and all the corruption he brought in.  All that just added to the Supreme Court's and the whole federal government's lust for more power.  Even today we are having to continue in our fight for Freedom and Liberty.  Today we need more people like Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and a lot less men like Abraham Lincoln.  This just goes to show how much wrong and chaos totalitarian governments cause.  I'm not saying that the U.S. has become like any of the other countries with dictators, communists, fascists, and socialists at the head.  But then again, maybe we have in a way.  I'm afraid so much more than I know is really what I don't want to know.

Because of a majorly Unnecessary War, things have only become worse.  Slavery was eventually ended, but it didn't take a war to accomplish that.  It has all been based upon power.  The federal government wants to be in control of all the states.  But it was the states that created the federal government!  Washington has only a certain amount of power - 17 different ones in fact.  But they have overstepped their boundaries by far!  Hundreds upon thousands of different ways have they crossed the line!  What really bugs me is that they are not being stopped!  What is wrong with the people?  Are we all so yellow bellied that we can't take a stand?  Are we so cowardly that we won't take back our freedoms that are rightfully ours?  They are God-given rights.  Then if they are God-given, why, oh WHY have we allowed the federal government and corrupt leaders to take them away?  I for one think it is high time we do a little fighting.  I don't want to end up like Russia, Germany, Iran, Iraq, and all the different countries that have had their freedoms taken away by tyrants. 

For a true look at Abraham Lincoln, I highly suggest you read the book The Real Lincoln, written by Thomas J. Dilorenzo.  Ever since I was little I had always know that Abraham Lincoln was a "bad man."  But now my eyes have been opened by so much more! Of course, I know I don't understand as much as some people do about some things, and I could never debate against someone. (I don't have that gift)  But I have high hopes that you have still gained something out of my ramblings.  The history books today portray Abraham Lincoln as a hero, so everybody else in America does the same.  Those people need their eyes opened by the truth, instead of being blinded by lies.  I wish everybody would read this book.  It could do a lot of changing in lives.  For the good.

I know I didn't even cover half of the book - there is so much importance that needs to be read.  I only wrote a wee bit of my personal opinion, as well as a portion of what I learned.  I really you have made something out of this.  We need to know the truth!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Quotes to ponder...

I've found a few quotes I like in a little book called A Treasury of Bible Verses, Inspirational Quotations and Essays About Friendship. Yeah, just the title gives it away. There are some quotes that are ok, while others are great! I thought I'd like to share a few by some great people in history. First one is by Charles Spurgeon:

"Friendship is one of the sweetest joys of life. Many might have failed beneath the bitterness of their trial had they not found a friend."

Isn't that an awesome quote? The book is pretty small, only with 160 pages. :) There are a lot of people with sayings I don't know. So I chose some quotes from some people that I did know.

"The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, or the kindly smile, of the joy of companionship. It is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him with his friendship." -Corrie ten Boom

"A little kindly advice is better than a great deal of scolding." -Franny Crosby

"It may be that the day of judgment will dawn tomorrow; in that case, we shall gladly stop working for a better tomorrow. But not before." -Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"When we invite Jesus into our lives, we experience life in the fullest, most vital sense." -Catherine Marshall

"The future lies before us. Shall it only be a slight advance upon what we usually do? Ought it not be a bound, a leap forward to altitudes of endeavor and success undreamed of before?" -Annie Armstrong

"We must mirror God's love in the midst of a world full of hated. We are the mirrors of God's love, so we may show Jesus by our lives." -Corrie ten Boom
Just some different sayings to let you ponder. I'll ponder them myself. Especially this one that has been said: "Words. Do you fully understand their power? Can any of us really grasp the mighty force behind the things we say? Do we stop and think before we speak, considering the potency of the words we utter?" I know I haul off and say a lot of things I regret. A good reminder my mom always tells me is to think before I speak. A great reminder, yes, but most times I just blurt out what I was thinking. What does the Bible say about our words? Now a few verses to ponder:

Ecclesiastes 5:2: "Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few."

Proverbs 15:1: "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous word stir up anger."

Proverbs 15:2: "The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of the fools poureth out foolishness."

We would be very wise to heed our tongues - they can only get us into trouble if we aren't careful. Believe me - I know. Follow Jesus' example. In face of His accusers He uttered not a word. He, above all else, is the wisest. In this, as well as everything else, He is the best example to follow.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

A Day full of Fun

Today my mother took all 8 of us kids to a homeschool get-together at the park here in Barnesville - the second one that has been put on. It is just a time for homeschooled families to get together, hang out, and get to know one another! I love it! I think homeschoolers need to get together now and then. It is always great. We have met some really nice people this way. Being in Barnesville only since the end of may, we don't know many people around here. Now we know quite a few and are working on getting to know them better! I love meeting new people...well, that is, some of the time. Sometimes I do get pretty shy and embarrassed. I used to be really bad around strangers, so my mom tells me. When I was little I would hide behind my mom's skirts! I'm afraid I can't do that anymore. I think I've pretty much grown out of that.

I already have some good friends - Allison and Abigail Heiney. We have become good friends in the short time we have known each other. Today Allison couldn't make it to the homeschool get-together because a little kitten that was given to her may not make it. The poor thing is only 1 pound! I was shocked at how little it is! Just a little skeleton! Allison is really worried about it. The helpless little thing needs force-fed, probably because it hasn't ate in forever! I'm praying for it, Allison!

A really good thing about the different homeschooled families around here getting together is that there is a whole mixture of ages. From mommies, even down to babies! No one is left out, and everybody has a good time!

Because not everybody made it today, some of us girls played The Lord of the Rings Trivial Pursuit. GOOD TIMES! We laughed and giggled (what do girls do better?) and had a great ole time! I can't wait till next time! I'm pretty sure they are every 2 weeks. (how is that for information?) It'll be fun again the next time!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Imitating Christ's example: The Fruit of the Spirit

Another week! Wow. Last week went by so fast! This just comes to show that time is nothing - each day is a gift from God and we had better use it as wisely as we can. We never know when it may be our last! Thankfully God is rich in grace and mercy and has blessed us with life so far. Thank You, LORD!

The verses I want to write about today is Galatians 5:22-26 which says: "But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another."


I want to go through each of the Fruit of the Spirit. Perhaps we'll find that each and every one of us find it difficult to display these in our lives. I know I have trouble. But we aren't perfect; therefore we can't live a perfect life. But, with the Spirit of God living in us, we should try to be better than the rest of the world. Only through His help can we better ourselves.

Love:
I'm sure everybody knows what love is. But how does the Bible define love? 1 John 3:16 says that "Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." I think that should explain it. Jesus Christ loved us so much that He died us. Isn't that amazing? Our love should be the same. We should love each other (yes, including our families) so much that we would be willing to die for them. That, in my opinion, is true love. Everyday, in our actions and words, we ought to try to show our love for those around us. I'm not meaning that we go around telling everybody we love them so much that we would die for them! No, that would probably seem absurd. But we still need to show our love. Simple & sweet should be our motto. A hug, a smile, a thoughtful gesture, even just doing little things for your loved ones shows that you really care. We should all have a loving spirit, even though I know sometimes it is hard. I go through it everyday. Most times I don't do what I should. That is why I am writing this. I am hoping that it will be beneficial to you, but I also need the encouragement. Writing sometimes helps me to get a better focus on things.

Joy:
Are we as Christians to go around and mope all the time? Of course not! We are to be joyful - rejoicing in all the blessings God has given us! Webster's 1828 dictionary defines joy as "to gladden; to exhilarate. To enjoy..." We are to have joy in our hearts. God calls us to be ambassadors of Him; therefore we should try our best to show forth Him in the best way possible!

Peace:
Also as Christians we are not to hold grudges or keep striving with others. Jesus himself had many a man throw anger in His face, yet He remained calm and cool in the midst of it all. He should be out #1 example to follow. In every conflict we go through we should try to imitate Him by having peace with our fellow man. Peace is very important. The opposite is strife, discontent, and unhappiness. No one in his/her right mind wants that.

Longsuffering:
is defined as "long endurance; patience of offense." We are to bear with our fellow man's imperfectness and mistakes. We are ourselves want everyone else to bear with us. We want everybody to overlook our faults and mistakes. I think the Golden Rule comes into play, doesn't it? We should think of everything in life that way, but especially in how we treat others. Treating others the way we want to be treated should be our motto in regard to others.

Gentleness:
Meekness, calmness, sweetness, mildness of temper, softness of answer and reproof: all describe gentleness. I doubt we have to look this word up in a dictionary. We all know it; therefore we should follow it. In every moment that we feel like biting "that person's" head off, think of the Fruit of the Spirit. Would Jesus have done that? Would He have approved?

Goodness:
Everyone wants to be treated with kindness, with goodness. Everyone, also, needs the goodness of Jesus Christ in their lives. Only He can fill that void. No one on earth is "good." Isn't that what Jesus told the rich young ruler? Only God is good. But we can strive to be more like Him in every way. We will never be perfect, but with His help, we can overcome the low expectations of the world and try to be more like Him.

Faith:
Our faith needs to rest only in Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. Without Him we are nothing. Our faith needs to rest in Him. His grace is all-sufficient. He has bestowed so many things upon us. Shouldn't we give Him the glory, praise, and honor He deserves?

Meekness:
Instead of pride, let us have humbleness. Instead of arrogance, let us have gentleness. Instead of anger, let us have forbearance. That is the way Jesus would have us to be, just as He was. A lot of times I let myself get blown away by the moment and get very angry with "someone." That, of course, isn't right. But I am very impatient. Impatience is my middle name. =) That, along with many other areas, is something I need to work on. Meekness should be my goal. What about you?

Temperance:
means moderation, restraint, patience, etc. I know I really need to work on this one. It has patience in it. As with all the Fruit of the Spirit, this is very important. We shouldn't go overboard by getting angry, not restraining ourselves, and losing our tempers. After all, we are young ladies. That sure doesn't become us. We should imitate Christ in all He did. The best way is to read the Scriptures - to find out for ourselves how He behaved in every situation. We sure could learn a lot!

By the way, I've changed my blog colors and template. Since there are so many different styles, I've decided to change them about every now and then. Make a little bit of change once in awhile! :D