Saturday, April 20, 2013
You know that homeschool is working when your 12- and 13-year old
daughters utilize their critical thinking skills and don't fall for what
is being fed to the masses. Yesterday, my 12-year-old questioned the
validity of a pressure cooker being inside of a backpack that was
casually slung over one shoulder and didn't appear bulky or heavy. She
brought this up before I even had a chance to think about that. It
totally threw me off guard and took me by pleasant surprise. I'm sure
she questioned it because we just got her grandmother a pressure cooker
for Christmas so she knows how big and heavy it is. THIS is what our
purpose of homeschooling is about...to think for yourself and not be
influenced by what the majority is being influenced by. Mainly, to
question everything. This is our first year of homeschooling and we are
still winging it and trying to find a comfortable groove. Her statement
proved that you don't need a fancy curriculum or a set routine to
homeschool. It was the result of everyday living and basic common sense.
Something that is basically stifled in the public school setting.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Out Of The Darkness
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. ~ Ephesians 5:11
See Ephesians 5:1-16
Works of darkness are those which please the powers of darkness. The Christian must have nothing whatever to do with these. We must not encourage or approve any sinful device, but rather reprove it. This would prevent the support of many things which the world encourages.
If anyone is upset at my posts, then they're upset at God and are feeling convicted. Sometimes, the truth hurts. A dear pastor that I know sums it up like this: "If you profess, they'll guess, but if you show it, they'll know it." We are all accountable for our choices and decisions. God did give us free will. Ignorance is no excuse. The choice is up to you. My purpose is not to judge but to inform. Really my opinion doesn't matter. What matters is what God says in the Holy Bible. I am not trying to "convict" or "change" you or your ideas. I will let the Holy Spirit do that.
See Ephesians 5:1-16
Works of darkness are those which please the powers of darkness. The Christian must have nothing whatever to do with these. We must not encourage or approve any sinful device, but rather reprove it. This would prevent the support of many things which the world encourages.
If anyone is upset at my posts, then they're upset at God and are feeling convicted. Sometimes, the truth hurts. A dear pastor that I know sums it up like this: "If you profess, they'll guess, but if you show it, they'll know it." We are all accountable for our choices and decisions. God did give us free will. Ignorance is no excuse. The choice is up to you. My purpose is not to judge but to inform. Really my opinion doesn't matter. What matters is what God says in the Holy Bible. I am not trying to "convict" or "change" you or your ideas. I will let the Holy Spirit do that.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
When There's Conflict
Sometimes, there's a need to stick up for yourself, when there is conflict. However, please remember:
1) Try not to get fired up unless someone is hurting you or any member of your family.
2) Even when you're fired up, try to act respectful and matter-of-factly...NO NAME-CALLING!
3) Speak to the person like how you think Jesus would speak to the person, we represent Him and we are supposed to be witnesses to Him.
4) Think about, and pray about what you want to say to that person.
5) Once you've had your say with the person, just let it go. Forgive. No holding grudges!
6) If the person chooses to never speak to you again, so be it. He or she is the one with the problem and needs to deal with it. Sometimes, the truth hurts and some people don't like hearing the truth.
7) Do not get involved in retaliation.
Most importantly...pray for the person that you're having the conflict with. More often than not, he or she isn't a believer and only knows the ways of the world.
1) Try not to get fired up unless someone is hurting you or any member of your family.
2) Even when you're fired up, try to act respectful and matter-of-factly...NO NAME-CALLING!
3) Speak to the person like how you think Jesus would speak to the person, we represent Him and we are supposed to be witnesses to Him.
4) Think about, and pray about what you want to say to that person.
5) Once you've had your say with the person, just let it go. Forgive. No holding grudges!
6) If the person chooses to never speak to you again, so be it. He or she is the one with the problem and needs to deal with it. Sometimes, the truth hurts and some people don't like hearing the truth.
7) Do not get involved in retaliation.
Most importantly...pray for the person that you're having the conflict with. More often than not, he or she isn't a believer and only knows the ways of the world.
Monday, October 4, 2010
A Hole in Your Sole vs. A Hole in Your Soul
This morning, Jeff found an old pair of knock-off crocs that have a hole in the sole of one of them. What to do with them? It's a tiny hole, really, but I only paid about 5 bucks for them at Wal*mart and it really wouldn't be a big deal to throw them away. I can just buy him another pair, right?
This got me thinking, though, about the similarities between a hole in a "sole" and a hole in a "soul".
A hole in both a "sole" and a "soul" suffer the same consequences...........
~Leave that hole alone in your "sole", and it gets bigger, more filth and dirt get in, and you feel more pain when you step on even the tiniest pebble, because there is no barrier to protect your foot.
~Leave that hole alone in your "soul", and it gets bigger, more filth and dirt get in, and you feel more pain when the tiniest hurt occurs, because there is no barrier to protect your heart.
~Leave that hole alone in your "sole", and that dirt that gets in through that hole gets your foot or sock dirty, making more work for you to keep it clean.
~Leave that hole alone in your "soul", and that dirt that gets in through that hole gets your heart dirty, making more work for you to keep it clean.
~You can have the hole in your "sole" repaired and you'll have a barrier to keep the dirt and filth from getting through, and you'll feel less pain when you step on things.
~You can have the hole in your "soul" repaired and you'll have a barrier to keep the dirt and filth from getting through, and you'll feel less pain when others step on you.
How can you have that hole in your "sole" repaired? You can use a variety of methods~~tape, glue, cement. You can even take it to someone to repair but it will definitely cost you....money and the time it will take to bring that "sole" to someone to repair it. And after all is said and done, you'll still have a "sole" with a repaired hole, but it will never be new again.
How can you have that hole in your "soul" repaired? There is only one way to get that hole repaired, and it won't cost you a thing! You can take it to Jesus Christ to repair it. All He'll ask for in payment is for you to confess your sins, repent, believe that He came to us to die for us sinners on the Cross, and accept Him into your heart. He won't repair that hole in your "soul", He will make it new again! Because once you confess your sins, repent of your old ways, believe that He died for you, and accept Him into your heart, you are made new again. You are "born again". You won't feel that you're walking around with a repaired hole in your "soul", because you will have a new soul, and it didn't cost you a thing! What a great deal!
Of course, you can just forget about having the hole in your "sole" repaired and just toss the shoe in the garbage or burn them, and just go out and buy a new pair (there goes that "cost" again).
This is where the similarities end, though~~~~
Forget about having the hole in your "soul" repaired and just toss your life in the garbage or burn it...........but you can't just go out and buy a new life. There's also the matter of cost for that option of not having that hole in your "soul" repaired.....an eternal cost for an eternal vacation that I don't think you'll want to pay for.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Kathy
This got me thinking, though, about the similarities between a hole in a "sole" and a hole in a "soul".
A hole in both a "sole" and a "soul" suffer the same consequences...........
~Leave that hole alone in your "sole", and it gets bigger, more filth and dirt get in, and you feel more pain when you step on even the tiniest pebble, because there is no barrier to protect your foot.
~Leave that hole alone in your "soul", and it gets bigger, more filth and dirt get in, and you feel more pain when the tiniest hurt occurs, because there is no barrier to protect your heart.
~Leave that hole alone in your "sole", and that dirt that gets in through that hole gets your foot or sock dirty, making more work for you to keep it clean.
~Leave that hole alone in your "soul", and that dirt that gets in through that hole gets your heart dirty, making more work for you to keep it clean.
~You can have the hole in your "sole" repaired and you'll have a barrier to keep the dirt and filth from getting through, and you'll feel less pain when you step on things.
~You can have the hole in your "soul" repaired and you'll have a barrier to keep the dirt and filth from getting through, and you'll feel less pain when others step on you.
How can you have that hole in your "sole" repaired? You can use a variety of methods~~tape, glue, cement. You can even take it to someone to repair but it will definitely cost you....money and the time it will take to bring that "sole" to someone to repair it. And after all is said and done, you'll still have a "sole" with a repaired hole, but it will never be new again.
How can you have that hole in your "soul" repaired? There is only one way to get that hole repaired, and it won't cost you a thing! You can take it to Jesus Christ to repair it. All He'll ask for in payment is for you to confess your sins, repent, believe that He came to us to die for us sinners on the Cross, and accept Him into your heart. He won't repair that hole in your "soul", He will make it new again! Because once you confess your sins, repent of your old ways, believe that He died for you, and accept Him into your heart, you are made new again. You are "born again". You won't feel that you're walking around with a repaired hole in your "soul", because you will have a new soul, and it didn't cost you a thing! What a great deal!
Of course, you can just forget about having the hole in your "sole" repaired and just toss the shoe in the garbage or burn them, and just go out and buy a new pair (there goes that "cost" again).
This is where the similarities end, though~~~~
Forget about having the hole in your "soul" repaired and just toss your life in the garbage or burn it...........but you can't just go out and buy a new life. There's also the matter of cost for that option of not having that hole in your "soul" repaired.....an eternal cost for an eternal vacation that I don't think you'll want to pay for.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Kathy
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Love Your Enemies
Loving your enemies: Introduction
This Bible study on loving your enemies and self-test is part of a series of free online studies on anger. They are adapted from Victory Over Grumpiness, Irritation and Anger. Feel free to print them out, and use them to evaluate yourself.
Reasons to love your enemies
God commands us to love.
Here are some key Scriptures (Bible verses) on loving your enemies:
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another (John 13:34).
But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you (Luke 6:27-28).
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse (Romans 12:14).
We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it (1 Corinthians 4:12).
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:17-21).
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing (1 Peter 3:9).
Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble (1 John 2:9-10).
Our highest calling is to spread the Gospel and help others grow in Christ.
We should be passionately concerned about introducing people to Jesus. Along the same lines, we should be passionately concerned about other believers' spiritual welfare.
Study "dissensions" in Galatians 5:19-21 and Romans 13:13.
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:35).
But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice (Philippians 1:18).
Jesus loved his enemies. Make him your example.
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! (Luke 13:34).
Hints to help you love your enemies
Realize that you may have misinterpreted the other person's words.
He or she may be distracted.
He or she may be busy.
He or she may be going through a personal crisis.
He or she may be sick or exhausted.
Realize that you may be right: The other person may be your enemy.
However, if someone insults you or dislikes you, respond in a Christ-like manner. Don't take things personally or give in to hurt feelings and let your emotions control you. Instead, see the other person as someone with a problem who needs God's help and your prayers.
Determine what part you played in the problem.
You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye (Matthew 7:5).
See problems as opportunities to grow in Christ.
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope (Romans 5:3-4).
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds (James 1:2).
That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Forgive . . . even if your enemy does not apologize.
Follow Jesus' example: Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing (Luke 23:34).
Follow Stephen's example: Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep (Acts 7:60).
Pray for your enemies.
When you feel irritated about someone:
Pray for the other person's needs.
Pray that God will help you forgive.
Pray that God will help you love him or her.
Evaluate your love for your enemies
How well do you practice the following verses?
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).
This Bible study on loving your enemies and self-test is part of a series of free online studies on anger. They are adapted from Victory Over Grumpiness, Irritation and Anger. Feel free to print them out, and use them to evaluate yourself.
Reasons to love your enemies
God commands us to love.
Here are some key Scriptures (Bible verses) on loving your enemies:
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another (John 13:34).
But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you (Luke 6:27-28).
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse (Romans 12:14).
We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it (1 Corinthians 4:12).
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:17-21).
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing (1 Peter 3:9).
Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble (1 John 2:9-10).
Our highest calling is to spread the Gospel and help others grow in Christ.
We should be passionately concerned about introducing people to Jesus. Along the same lines, we should be passionately concerned about other believers' spiritual welfare.
Study "dissensions" in Galatians 5:19-21 and Romans 13:13.
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:35).
But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice (Philippians 1:18).
Jesus loved his enemies. Make him your example.
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! (Luke 13:34).
Hints to help you love your enemies
Realize that you may have misinterpreted the other person's words.
He or she may be distracted.
He or she may be busy.
He or she may be going through a personal crisis.
He or she may be sick or exhausted.
Realize that you may be right: The other person may be your enemy.
However, if someone insults you or dislikes you, respond in a Christ-like manner. Don't take things personally or give in to hurt feelings and let your emotions control you. Instead, see the other person as someone with a problem who needs God's help and your prayers.
Determine what part you played in the problem.
You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye (Matthew 7:5).
See problems as opportunities to grow in Christ.
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope (Romans 5:3-4).
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds (James 1:2).
That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Forgive . . . even if your enemy does not apologize.
Follow Jesus' example: Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing (Luke 23:34).
Follow Stephen's example: Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep (Acts 7:60).
Pray for your enemies.
When you feel irritated about someone:
Pray for the other person's needs.
Pray that God will help you forgive.
Pray that God will help you love him or her.
Evaluate your love for your enemies
How well do you practice the following verses?
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).
Verses warning us about anger
http://www.dougbrittonbooks.com/onlinebiblestudies-irritationandangermanagement/whatgodsaysinthebibleaboutanger.php
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing (Proverbs 12:18).
A wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless (Proverbs 14:16).
A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated (Proverbs 14:17).
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly (Proverbs 14:29).
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1).
A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel (Proverbs 15:18).
Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city (Proverbs 16:32).
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered (Proverbs 17:27).
It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel (Proverbs 20:3).
Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you (Proverbs 20:22).
Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control (Proverbs 25:28).
Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger (Proverbs 29:8).
A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control (Proverbs 29:11).
An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins (Proverbs 29:22).
You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, "Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment." But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment ... first go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift (Matthew 5:21-24).
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:4-5).
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions (Galatians 5:19-20).
"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold (Ephesians 4:26-7).
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:29-32).
Let your gentleness be evident to all (Philippians 4:5).
But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips (Colossians 3:8).
And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful (2 Timothy 2:24).
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires (James 1:19-20).
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing (1 Peter 3:9).
http://www.dougbrittonbooks.com/onlinebiblestudies-irritationandangermanagement/whatgodsaysinthebibleaboutanger.php
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret-it leads only to evil (Psalm 37:8).
A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult (Proverbs 12:16).
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing (Proverbs 12:18).
A wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless (Proverbs 14:16).
A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated (Proverbs 14:17).
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly (Proverbs 14:29).
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1).
A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel (Proverbs 15:18).
Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city (Proverbs 16:32).
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered (Proverbs 17:27).
It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel (Proverbs 20:3).
Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you (Proverbs 20:22).
Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control (Proverbs 25:28).
Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger (Proverbs 29:8).
A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control (Proverbs 29:11).
An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins (Proverbs 29:22).
You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, "Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment." But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment ... first go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift (Matthew 5:21-24).
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:4-5).
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions (Galatians 5:19-20).
"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold (Ephesians 4:26-7).
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:29-32).
Let your gentleness be evident to all (Philippians 4:5).
But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips (Colossians 3:8).
And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful (2 Timothy 2:24).
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires (James 1:19-20).
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing (1 Peter 3:9).
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