tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79937248751312822792024-03-05T18:07:04.727-06:00Far Above RubiesBiblical WomanhoodAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703408804514622727noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-28656761910961169052021-03-09T18:29:00.000-06:002021-03-09T18:29:19.363-06:00Be Not Conformed to This World: Let Us Be Women<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I was baptized when I was 18 years old. For 17 years after that, I constantly questioned my salvation....to the point of answering any and every "altar call" presented. The problem wasn't the baptism, or the altar calls. </span></span></p><div data-block="true" data-editor="jjlg" data-offset-key="83pk8-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><p style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span data-offset-key="dae0v-0-0">The problem was that I never did what was ACTUALLY required for salvation--I never BELIEVED that the price Jesus paid on the cross was ENOUGH.</span></span></p><p style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span data-offset-key="2dcfe-0-0">Eight years ago, a situation occurred where guidance from someone in church leadership made me stop and question EVERYTHING that the church was teaching. We even stopped going there for a year. During that year, I took every moment of my time to read the Bible--and only the Bible. My thought was, "Lord, I NEED to know what You ACTUALLY said in Your Word to know if they are leading me astray or not." </span></span></p><p style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span data-offset-key="5br9q-0-0">During those months, I stayed up reading the Bible for HOURS each night. I was reading a book at a time, which, if you are talking about Jude and 1 John or even Philippians, is not any kind of feat. But I was reading all of Acts in one night. All of Hebr</span><span data-offset-key="5br9q-0-0">ews in another. All of ROMANS, y'all.....in one night. And not just reading, but reading to UNDERSTAND it. <i>I was LITERALLY staying up until 4 and 5am reading the Bible. </i></span></span></p><p style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I don't say any of this to brag for that. I'm only sharing it because it was SO fruitful. I remember the moment that I read, "It is finished", and for the FIRST TIME, I knew I was saved. I finally knew it was not about my checking off a checklist, but of His work on the cross that saved me! <b>It wasn't about what I had done or not done...it was only about what HE had done!</b></span></p></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="jjlg" data-offset-key="3up-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3up-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I remember the feelings I had when I finally BELIEVED. <i>I remember the instant assurance.</i> I remember the instant changes in my heart--the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control that were firmly planted, ready to grow into maturity. </span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="jjlg" data-offset-key="89jhg-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="89jhg-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="89jhg-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="jjlg" data-offset-key="baij2-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="baij2-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="baij2-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;">Now, why am I sharing all this here? Because now I have spent almost 7 years knowing the gift of grace, and having the faith that gives me an assurance of salvation. Even when I mess up. Yes, even when I sin against God or another person. I don't continue to wonder, like I did for so long before, if I "unchecked" one of those boxes I "checked" to be saved.</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="jjlg" data-offset-key="7vv1d-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7vv1d-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="7vv1d-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="jjlg" data-offset-key="9jjed-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9jjed-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9jjed-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;">Yet, there is still ONE thing that still holds onto me even after such a change of heart and mind. It is a remembrance that God's Word stands forever. It never changes. </span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="jjlg" data-offset-key="btuj7-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="btuj7-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="btuj7-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="jjlg" data-offset-key="fm398-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fm398-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="fm398-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;">So, while I had the wrong heart all those years ago, when I was worshiping at church (without faith), praying to God (without faith), and even leading small groups (without faith), the truths I shared or taught back then are still truths today. I see those truths through a lens of grace now, as opposed to seeing them through a lens of law, so *I* have changed, but God's Word hasn't changed. </span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="jjlg" data-offset-key="b10bj-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b10bj-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="b10bj-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="jjlg" data-offset-key="7lh9k-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7lh9k-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="7lh9k-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;">Now--instead of a legalistic view of Titus 2--such as a "have to" be a homemaker.....I see the BEAUTIFUL creation order restored by the cross in women being homemakers and men leading and providing for their wives and children, like Jehovah Jireh provides for His church. I see the beautiful picture of women fulfilling the part of God's image which was taken out of Adam as a rib and which was her beginning when she was formed. I see the complementary design shown in the gospel between Christ and His church mysteriously replicated in the relationship between a man and his wife, and it is no longer a "have to", but boy does my heart shout, "I WANT TO, LORD!" </span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="jjlg" data-offset-key="5b98t-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5b98t-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="5b98t-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="jjlg" data-offset-key="1f5dg-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1f5dg-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="1f5dg-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;">I remember the words of women, like Mary....when she was told she would carry God's child, she said, "May it be to me as You have said." In my own paraphrase, she was saying, "I accept whatever may come." See....she could have been stoned to death to have been found with child outside of wedlock, <b>and she ACCEPTED that possible fate, <i>because it was from the Lord</i>. </b></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="jjlg" data-offset-key="2up1n-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2up1n-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="2up1n-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="jjlg" data-offset-key="147tu-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="147tu-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="147tu-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;">In this day and age, we have so many not even willing to accept the form (gender) into which one was knitted while in his/her mother's womb. We do not accept the roles given to each gender by the Lord Himself, when He created things in His divine order and said "it was very good". We do not accept the number of children the Lord may bless us with--so we cut off that route of blessings (I am guilty of this myself, regrettably). <b>We have gotten things <i>out of order</i>.</b></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="jjlg" data-offset-key="6kcth-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6kcth-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6kcth-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="jjlg" data-offset-key="df6od-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="df6od-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="df6od-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>In essence, we "see that the tree is good for food, delight to the eyes, and is to be desired to make one wise" (Gen. 3:6)...and we EAT OF IT. </b>And at that moment, we are no longer in the beautiful alignment which God instituted before the fall, now we are under the curse and in a constant wrestling with one another for the position of "head". </span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="jjlg" data-offset-key="dadll-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dadll-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="dadll-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="jjlg" data-offset-key="d3k73-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d3k73-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="d3k73-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;">The feminist agenda was a weed planted in the garden, watered by many a generation, and has not been choked out by growing enough fruit ("be fruitful and multiply", He said). And that agenda has had its way with even the church.</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="jjlg" data-offset-key="7mtfp-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7mtfp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="7mtfp-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="jjlg" data-offset-key="4s2dn-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4s2dn-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="4s2dn-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;">Today, I can only issue a call of action, in hopes that I have spent enough time, like Esther, preparing myself and my heart for the confrontation. If I could write a letter to each and every pastor in all the churches of today's world, I would. <b>If I had to beg, I'd be on my knees. </b></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="jjlg" data-offset-key="bttno-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bttno-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="bttno-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="jjlg" data-offset-key="ejqvp-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ejqvp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="ejqvp-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;">God said, "If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="jjlg" data-offset-key="38qek-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="38qek-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="38qek-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="jjlg" data-offset-key="tbv0-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="tbv0-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="tbv0-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>We need to get back to the creation order. We need men to be men, and women to be women, in every way that the Word of God defines. </b> We have rebelled against that since the Garden of Eden, with us women leading the way, and now we are seeing the (bad) fruit of it. Our culture began a large shift back in the 40's, 50's, and 60's, and the church has been following the shift. </span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="tbv0-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="tbv0-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="tbv0-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="tbv0-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>The church is being conformed to this world.</b></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="jjlg" data-offset-key="3a9vc-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3a9vc-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3a9vc-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="jjlg" data-offset-key="5uv0s-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5uv0s-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="5uv0s-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;">It is time to get back to "ancient paths" (see Jeremiah). It's time for pastors to teach ALL of Titus 2 in the pulpit, and all the rest of the Word, for that matter. (Please, pastors! We desperately need to hear it from you!) It is time for believing women to again accept the roles the Lord has given us at home and at church, which have been outlined in the Word--and not add to it with our explanations or newly revised definitions. <b>Yes, it is time for us all to accept "our place" as God has <i>gifted </i>it to us. </b>Do I mean in an oppressed fashion? No! <i>But that is because I do not see being created as a female and sitting in 2nd chair at home and at church as oppressed, but as a fulfillment of who He made me to be! </i></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="jjlg" data-offset-key="ac5fo-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ac5fo-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="ac5fo-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="jjlg" data-offset-key="8erfc-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8erfc-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="8erfc-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;">Remember, He didn't say it was "very good" until He had made the helpmeet. Saying that did not make her a man. It didn't put her in charge. It didn't change her from helper to head. But it did make things which were only "good" up to that point now "VERY good". </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span data-offset-key="b0cjb-0-0">Five years ago, I wrote this same idea<b> <a href="http://www.aboverubies.net/2016/02/get-back-to-very-good.html" target="_blank">this way</a></b>. </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="jjlg" data-offset-key="f3sgo-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="f3sgo-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="f3sgo-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="jjlg" data-offset-key="bocu5-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bocu5-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="bocu5-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;">Church, we so need to humble ourselves, pray for Him to show us truth, seek His face on every matter, and turn from our wicked (worldly, cultural, lawless, feminist) ways. <b><i>Let's walk in the way of the redeemed, not in the way of those still under the curse and hold of sin, wrestling against God and His design.</i></b></span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bocu5-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="bocu5-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bocu5-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="bocu5-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;">It took me eighteen years to hear the gospel. Seventeen more to believe it. And now, another seven years to get a full gospel view that how I live in every way as a woman has an effect on the spread of the gospel and the stability and eternal security of the church, as Titus 2:4-5 includes mandates that, if not taught (or not done), lead to the Word being reviled. </span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bocu5-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="bocu5-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bocu5-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="bocu5-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;">And we are there now. The Word has been and is being twisted, dismissed, explained away, disobeyed, and yes, reviled. <b>And perhaps, ladies, if we would put on our gospel lenses to see it, we would see that it really is WE who have the power to influence the preservation of the church--to be the salt and light. If only we accept it and do it in the ways in which God Himself designed. </b></span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bocu5-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="bocu5-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bocu5-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="bocu5-0-0"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Then, it can be "very good" again. </i></span></span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-53266838299055299932017-08-08T03:30:00.000-05:002017-08-08T03:30:05.782-05:00Our Homeschool Curriculum for 2017-18...and a coupon for YOU!<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This post contains affiliate links. I receive a small compensation for each purchase, </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">and that helps me keep this blog up and running! </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I hope that the products bless your family as much as your shopping from my links blesses mine!</span></i> </div>
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As a homeschooling mom, this is the time of year that I am praying and searching for just the right curriculum and supplies. And it is SO. MUCH. FUN!<br />
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There is nothing like the smell of new books and notebooks or a fresh pack of <b><a href="http://amzn.to/2hElGUo" target="_blank">my favorite erasable pens</a></b>! <br />
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Over the years, we have tried many different things--some were a hit and some were a flop. One of the things that has remained the same for us year after year, no matter which curriculum company we go with (or quit halfway through the year)....we love to do school the Charlotte Mason way! <br />
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<a href="http://amzn.to/2woG3bD" target="_blank"><b>Charlotte Mason</b></a> was an educator in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and one of her primary philosophies is that a child is a whole person. To educate "the CM way", we read a lot of living books, narrate what we read, and we spread a whole feast before our children in a variety of subjects. Some of those include composer study, artist study, and nature study, which are in addition to the usual history threads, natural history (or science), math, and language arts subjects. <br />
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The CM way is a gentle but rigorous way of educating our children, and it brings great peace not only to our homeschool, but also to our home itself. <br />
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<b>Charlotte Mason said, "education is an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life". </b></div>
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I am so excited to tell you about a Charlotte Mason curriculum that I just learned about this summer, and even more excited that I have a coupon code for you to save on your purchase for your own family if this is the right plan for you!<br />
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<a href="https://agentlefeast.com/?ref=179" target="_blank"><img alt="https://agentlefeast.com/?ref=179" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="684" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BMhx6C_1nJPumSEETYo1J__5zZ5-9X2shcKGK9ZoXyP8_aDhRNUGX-cFD_MNhZJofgwoUT-A6tMHafaOuVrI8WOmVKApwDbZBVZNvus5sASy5R-w3LIQ9XnQAAX_2ihFrrm0TtRh5h0/s320/GFLOGO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://agentlefeast.com/?ref=179" target="_blank">A Gentle Feast</a> </b>was created by Julie Ross, and she describes it this way:<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">"<b>A Gentle Feast</b> is a Charlotte Mason curriculum for the entire family...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;">designed to ease parents as they provide a living education for their children, </span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;">filled with books, beauty, and biblical truth."</span></div>
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I am so excited that Julie has created <a href="https://agentlefeast.com/?ref=179" target="_blank"><b>A Gentle Feast</b></a>, and I'm even more excited to tell you more about our experience using it in a month or so! Until then, you can read more about it at her<b> <a href="https://agentlefeast.com/?ref=179" target="_blank">website</a></b>!<br />
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Since we have a 5th grader, a 4th grader, and a 2nd grader this year, <a href="https://agentlefeast.com/?ref=179" target="_blank"><b>A Gentle Feast</b></a> is going to allow us to combine what we can do together while giving each child the level of work that they need. No matter which Form your children are in, you can get plans for them to study the same time period as the others, but with personalized books and work! <br />
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Julie also has wonderful "Morning Time" plans where you can enjoy some of the beautiful extra subjects of a Charlotte Mason feast together to begin your day! <br />
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I am more than excited to start our new school year next Monday using A Gentle Feast for our lesson plans! If this plan is what you have been looking for, you can get yours <b><a href="https://agentlefeast.com/?ref=179" target="_blank">here</a></b>, and Julie has been so kind to offer all of my readers a coupon! This is an already affordable program at full price! But Julie is offering all of you a <b>20% discount this week</b>!!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Between today through August 14th, use the code "RUBIES" </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>to get your 20% off at A Gentle Feast!</b></div>
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I know that this program will be a blessing to your family and homeschool!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-79623931022085164362017-07-21T03:00:00.000-05:002017-07-21T03:00:14.343-05:00Stargazer Cast Iron - A Review!<br />
When I was about fifteen years old, I got a wild hair and decided to help my mom by deep cleaning in the kitchen. The first thing I tackled was the biggest task I could see...cleaning her cast iron pan! It was caked on THICK and no amount of dish soap or scrubbing worked. So what did I do?<br />
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<b>I got a flathead screwdriver and a hammer and I began to chisel away that caked on mess! </b> (I can hear the gasps and shudders from those of you who know that I'm talking about <i>years </i>of seasoning here...) HOURS later, I only had half that pan chiseled clean. And, as you'd probably guess, my mom was less than thrilled with my efforts.<br />
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Thank goodness that I've learned the value of cast iron cookware, a good seasoning, and the proper tools to care for it! (Hint: it does <i>NOT </i>involve a hammer, a screwdriver, or any form of chiseling!) Now my kitchen is outfitted with my late grandmother's stainless steel pots and pans...and my late mother-in-law's large set of cast iron pans! I do not own any of the harmful non-stick pieces anymore. My cast iron is pretty much non-stick!<br />
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So you can imagine my excitement when I asked <b><a href="http://www.stargazercastiron.com/" target="_blank">Stargazer Cast Iron</a></b> if they would let me review one of their pans...and they said yes! It took some time for a pan to become available for me (this company is so good--they have had a waiting list!), but this one was worth the wait!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7nVDGKlGdbkyWvJZodlb40-KkGNJnaM9tLfhDuGo6LjVeJpJgoieUvfYK8E26T9q9-E4_HeVe1FxESSLY2o7nAvIlAGiueyBJoz5o28WLduC7pg_epz17R_sINIjcI6jbH7SHMC2_De4/s1600/20170527_132903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7nVDGKlGdbkyWvJZodlb40-KkGNJnaM9tLfhDuGo6LjVeJpJgoieUvfYK8E26T9q9-E4_HeVe1FxESSLY2o7nAvIlAGiueyBJoz5o28WLduC7pg_epz17R_sINIjcI6jbH7SHMC2_De4/s320/20170527_132903.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>This pan is now my first choice--my go-to pan--when I am cooking in the kitchen! Whether I am browning meat or making scrambled eggs, I grab this pan! (Yes--you read that right--I make <i>scrambled </i>eggs in a cast iron pan! And NO sticking!)<br />
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The pan I received is a 10.5 inch, preseasoned pan. It is a beauty! One of my favorite parts is the large handle. It is larger than the handles of all the other cast iron pans I own, and the shape makes it easier to get a good grip when moving it. This is important to me because I have somewhat weak wrists from injuries as a teen and carpal tunnel when pregnant with my children. But with this wide and long handle, I can get a good grip so my wrists do not give out from the heavy weight. There is also a second handle on it for when I need to use both hands to carry it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRGFwwGQFYz6qLI5byKfDuuJjKsIy9xyjyWHxGtY9_r_harbDMfR1YPWbtiWc3wECk-VLT6b8rOQVG_C4bg9TYixUTlklN4xxxd8xdURkS440Fr2e7qDtpnQDApU-fXPc874rpN9V-R8/s1600/20170527_133650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRGFwwGQFYz6qLI5byKfDuuJjKsIy9xyjyWHxGtY9_r_harbDMfR1YPWbtiWc3wECk-VLT6b8rOQVG_C4bg9TYixUTlklN4xxxd8xdURkS440Fr2e7qDtpnQDApU-fXPc874rpN9V-R8/s320/20170527_133650.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>When I first received my pan, I washed it with hot water and dried it on my gas stovetop. I scrambled some eggs first--and they did stick a little in the center. So I thought I would do what some of their customers said they did--I seasoned it some more!<br />
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I did three rounds of seasoning in my oven. Unfortunately, I think I may have done it too many times, or left the oil coating too thick before putting in the oven, because my food stuck worse after these seasonings.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0kL5gG9p7m2ETs4eEt7VHVm2ZxA3xpPQcZzVjL1uKbrzkERuppNEdQZKqanNJN56FKR6hyBQld2QyU8_MPrz8vr76VkR4ZEigYxBXDuxhO03MEHCoHWfHukf1yT2_8armW-XaBjcrho/s1600/20170528_091200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0kL5gG9p7m2ETs4eEt7VHVm2ZxA3xpPQcZzVjL1uKbrzkERuppNEdQZKqanNJN56FKR6hyBQld2QyU8_MPrz8vr76VkR4ZEigYxBXDuxhO03MEHCoHWfHukf1yT2_8armW-XaBjcrho/s320/20170528_091200.jpg" width="180" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>So, I took my scrub bud and scrubbed it all off under hot water. This made the pan super slick! And guess what? My next batch of scrambled eggs did not stick--at all!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Dp92r5kBvZxbVMgySIlY07laGi4_NJAR6hE0jT3X0Ew9q3YfvzWdajE6p1QOMB0khnVDiWpC_bl4SgRqTIBCVcAWVKTw7IyOsvtUto7XflrMJrTLUSodCHXDqc_cYROYut20PwMdF94/s1600/20170602_104307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Dp92r5kBvZxbVMgySIlY07laGi4_NJAR6hE0jT3X0Ew9q3YfvzWdajE6p1QOMB0khnVDiWpC_bl4SgRqTIBCVcAWVKTw7IyOsvtUto7XflrMJrTLUSodCHXDqc_cYROYut20PwMdF94/s320/20170602_104307.jpg" width="180" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>There are a few things that make this pan a favorite that I do not want to forget to mention. First, these pans are made right here in the U.S.A.! They are made slightly lighter in weight than competitive companies' products. And their handle is called a "stay cool handle". It <i>will </i>get warm (or even hot after a long time over a gas stove flame), but it stays cooler much longer because of its design! I am usually done cooking in it before it gets too hot for me! <br />
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I must say that I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to keep this pan in exchange for this honest review! <b><a href="http://www.stargazercastiron.com/" target="_blank">Stargazer Cast Iron</a></b> has set out to fulfill their vision of "creating the best cast iron cookware around". In my kitchen, they have far surpassed the rest! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yK3x2qGpqE9pY0lJ4szujiY68iIG-UzT7lW3f79ffOWuiC54wju9oBtdpamoN-kc_ENL9IVjDhUhFcfX8VHEoJ7AbCOl_SwsQsOUHLLz-9pzdOgS3SWEIWfWp5LuW_U5vB_nZMEnBJk/s320/20170527_133742.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="180" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Look at this beauty! Get your own from <a href="http://www.stargazercastiron.com/" target="_blank">Stargazer Cast Iron</a>!</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-77444090476042163542017-04-01T00:01:00.002-05:002017-07-18T19:23:31.589-05:00Take Charge of Love<b>"But God commandeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."</b> --Romans 5:8 KJV<image alt="post signature" class="centered"
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</div><div>He commandeth His love. He told His love who to love. He directed His love where it was needed. To those who did not even know how badly we needed it.</div><div><br />
</div><div>WIVES, can you commandeth your love toward your husband? I say YES! </div><div><br />
</div><div>We are commanded to love, and our response needs to be commanding our love to go where it ought to go, to whom it ought to love. First, to our Lord. Next, to our husbands. And then to our children. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Take captive the thought that your feelings are in charge of how, when, and to whom you show love. (2 Corinthians 10:5)</div><div><br />
</div><div>COMMANDETH it to love your husband, even while he does not walk upright according to the truth of the Word. (1 Peter 3:1)</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>COMMANDETH your love. Let it not have command over you.</b></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-20734724448839359722016-11-01T03:30:00.000-05:002016-11-01T03:30:19.333-05:00My Favorite Planner - Homemaker's FriendLife can be hectic. No matter what age we are or season we are in, life has a way of moving faster than we want.<br />
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One verse that keeps me mindful of what I plan in my day is this:<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>"So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12</b></span></div>
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Teach us to number our days.<br />
Teach us to count our days.<br />
<b>Teach us <i>to make our days count</i>.</b><br />
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I don't know about you, but when I go into anything without a plan, I never achieve what I really hope to achieve. You've heard it said, <b>"Failing to plan is planning to fail."</b><br />
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Be it homemaking tasks, a Bible study, or even grocery shopping...I am more successful if I go into it with a plan in hand.<br />
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For the past three years, I have purchased the same planner to use for keeping up with my personal events and plans...and I LOVE it!!<br />
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There are sections for all the areas of my life that I need to plan, including:<br />
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*Monthly calendar<br />
*Weekly planner pages<br />
*Tasks, Projects, and Events sections<br />
*Contacts/Information pages<br />
*Perforated shopping lists<br />
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This planner is simple, but has all that you need to number your days!<br />
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<a href="http://www.homemakersdepot.com/display/click.php?bnid=53&aff=5660a8242089a" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="2017 Planner (fall) w/menu" src="http://www.homemakersdepot.com/display/impression.php?bnid=53&aff=5660a8242089a" height="150" width="600" /></a><br />
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<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">BONUS!!!</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> Homemaker’s Depot is offering a <b><span style="color: #e06666;">Menu Planning</span></b><span style="color: #2e75b6; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2E75B6;"> </span>download that matches the <a href="http://www.homemakersdepot.com/2017-version?tracking=5660a8242089a" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="color: #2e75b6; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #2E75B6;">2017 Homemakers Friend Planner</span></span></b></a>! This download is <b>totally free</b> with the purchase of a Planner! ($5.00 value!) The 8.5x11 menu planning worksheets are in full color and include the months December 2016 -December 2017. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Get yours today and be ready <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">to plan <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">and make your days count for 2017!</span></span> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-71029054461959453002016-09-22T09:58:00.001-05:002016-09-22T09:58:49.792-05:00Life UpdateI have written so few blog posts lately. Shared so little about life here. Well, I've decided it is time to share more. <br />
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I have been jokingly saying that we should erase July 2016 from the record-books. But then that would erase August and even today...because what took place in July has led us to today. <br />
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See...in July 2016, nearly all of my world was rocked. First, my neighbor and best friend, Emily, moved. She isn't super far away now, but she is not across the street anymore. The week after her move, our youngest son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes....it was my mom's birthday. And the week after his diagnosis, my mom was hospitalized with internal bleeding that nearly took her life (and actually DID take her life, but they revived her). <br />
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Then, as if those changes were not enough, my husband changed jobs at the beginning of this month and also started back to school as well. Somewhere in the middle of all of that....we started back to our homeschool year. <br />
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Whew. <br />
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That really is all I can say in response. <br />
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I miss my friend. I am tired from all the checking on my son all day and night. Life is busy. Very busy. Packed in at every moment, just to get it all done. <br />
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But....praise the Lord....my mom is better! My husband's new job is going great! And I am enjoying learning a little while I overhear his online class lectures. <br />
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We are still gaining more information regarding our son's diagnosis. The day he was diagnosed, his blood sugar was something we just stumbled upon. We weren't there looking for that AT ALL. But it was very high and he was unable to be awakened that morning, and continued to fall asleep nearly the entire day. Right now, the best we can tell, he is in the "honeymoon phase" of T1D. Everything seems to look normal most days. Then he will have a day of higher blood sugars. Then they are normal again. We can just pray, check his sugars, and stay in touch with our pediatrician, who is staying on top of all of it with us. <br />
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I am also glad to say that our school year is going SO good. The best start to a school year that we have EVER had. I'll post more soon about what we are using and doing this year! <br />
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I know this is not the Bible teaching, marriage building, or spiritually encouraging post I usually write...but I want to share more with you all. You've been there all this time, reading what few posts I have written. I want to open up and let you into my life a little more. Because we are one body (in Christ), and I need you and your encouragement as much as you need mine! <br />
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So I have to ask....any of you experience anything like this before, where all of life took a hit at once? How did you get through it? <br />
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And anyone have a T1 out there? I'd love to connect!<br />
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<image alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv54/jasminecucuta/signature.png"></image>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-61642949090489689272016-09-18T16:39:00.003-05:002016-09-18T16:39:31.544-05:00He Gives Good GiftsThis morning, my pastor referenced this verse in his sermon:<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>"What man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" Matthew 7:9-11</b></span></div>
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<b>Bread versus stone. </b><br />
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What a comparison! One nourishes, while the other bruises. The bread of life (Jesus) causes one to never go hungry again. (John 6:35) While the stone condemns and even kills. <br />
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And there is a reason why the tempter (satan) came to Jesus to tempt Him, saying, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." (Matthew 4:3) <br />
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<b><i>But that which condemns can never sustain.</i></b><br />
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<b><i> </i></b><br />
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<b>Fish versus serpent.</b><br />
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One thrives in [living] water. The other is on its belly in the dirt.<br />
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One multiplies. (Matthew 14:13-21) The other divides (see the Garden of Eden). <br />
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One is the result of preaching the gospel. (We are fishers of men, right?) The other was the agent solely responsible for the need of that gospel.<br />
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<b>Bread and fish.</b><br />
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Five thousand men (plus their families) were hungry. Five loaves and two fish were enough to feed them.<br />
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In fact, bread and fish are enough for us, too. <br />
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The gift of eternal life and the gift of seeing others gain eternal life. They truly are enough. <br />
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May we be satisfied with the good and perfect gifts which come from Him!<br />
<image alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv54/jasminecucuta/signature.png"></image>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-63268787413193195612016-05-11T10:14:00.000-05:002016-05-11T10:14:27.649-05:00The Lord My Shepherd, My RefreshmentRefreshment comes in all sorts of forms. <br />
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On a hot day, it is a cold glass of lemonade. On a cold day, a fire in the fireplace warms our fingers, toes, and soul. <br />
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There is also something refreshing about spring where all things are made new again.<br />
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I have been feeling the chill of a season of "winter" in my life for a while. Relationships have been dying around me. Places of belonging no longer welcoming us in. <br />
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Winter displays nothing new in bloom, and a sense that nothing will ever bloom again. No wonder it is called the "winter blues"! Everything is dark, drab, and dreary. <br />
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But then...spring! Everything in sight is turning green and forming fresh, new blooms!<br />
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New beginnings...<br />
<br />New hopes...<br />
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New plans...<br />
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New relationships...<br />
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New life!<br />
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I do believe winter is necessary, even while painful. Winter allows time to think on what seeds we want to plant and what we want to grow in the next season (of garden or life!). It is a time of rest for the worker and the earth, so that they can be strong enough to be fruitful in the spring. <br />
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<b>And in that time, both rely on the Lord <i>alone </i>to get through the dark season and to have life again in the next.</b><br />
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The Lord said, <b><span style="color: #e06666;">"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." (Jeremiah 31:25)</span></b><br />
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In a season of winter, it is so easy to grow weary. But He will refresh us if we call on Him! <br />
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For we know this:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">He makes me lie down in green pastures, </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">He leads me beside quiet waters, </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><i>He refreshes my soul.</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">(Psalm 23:1-3)</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="color: black;">Tell me in the comments: </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="color: black;">Have you experienced a season of winter in your life? Do you see new blooms of spring now? How may I refresh you? For He tells us, <b><span style="color: #e06666;">"whoever refreshes others will be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:25)</span></b></span></span><b><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span></b></div>
<image alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv54/jasminecucuta/signature.png"></image>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-59657533902793519702016-02-08T23:05:00.001-06:002016-02-08T23:05:37.744-06:00Get Back to the "Very Good"God made light, sky and sea, and all the plants and animals that fill the earth.<br />
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And it was good.<br />
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Then it wasn't...because there was no suitable companion for man (Adam).<br />
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So God created Eve.<br />
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Out of Adam's ribs she came...and then all of God's creation was <i>very good!</i><br />
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But now....now we are back to a one-gender world again.<br />
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They tell us gals anything he can do, we can do better.<br />
They tell us that we are equal, and that it means we should do what men do.<br />
They tell us to walk, talk, dress, cut our hair, work, and lead...like men do.<br />
They tell us we are strong like a man.<br />
They tell us to speak up and speak out like a man.<br />
They tell us we have a right. The right to be a man.<br />
<br />
And it is <b><i>NOT</i></b> very good.<br />
<br />
<br />
We were created in His image. But not in the same image as Adam.<br />
<br />
We bring beauty to the garden where it did not yet exist.<br />
We bring forth life! It was not possible without us!<br />
We nurture and we love, both our men and our babies.<br />
We help, because without our help, the grand purpose cannot be fulfilled.<br />
<br />
We are not here to do what man does, but to do that which he can not do on his own.<br />
<br />
Different mold.<br />
Different purpose.<br />
<br />
Denying the intended role and purpose given us by our Creator is to deny the Creator as God of our lives.<br />
<br />
Let's embrace that role. Let's find value in <i>His</i> purpose for us!<br />
<br />
Let's get back to the very good.<br />
<br />
Because He says we are.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-50470542182142507372016-01-18T04:00:00.000-06:002016-01-18T04:00:22.056-06:00Shut the BACK Door!This post is for those<b></b> of you who have left the back door open.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<b><i>Shut it.</i></b><br />
<b><i></i></b><br />
<br />
You have been swirling this idea around in your mind for some time. You may even have others outside calling you to come out through that open door.<br />
<br />
For some, it is just too hard to keep fighting. For others, the silence is deafening. Either way, there is an option on your table that does not need to be an option.<br />
<br />
I'm talking about the idea you keep thinking to divorce your husband. <br />
<b></b><i></i><b></b><b></b><br />
<i><b>Stop it.</b> </i><br />
<br />
<br />
Stop chewing on it. Stop entertaining the idea that it will be better to just leave. <i> It will not.</i><br />
<br />
That is a LIE. <i>And we know where lies come from.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
Marriage is not easy. It is never going to be easy. It will be hard stuff many days. <br />
<br />
<b><i>But nothing worth having was ever achieved with ease!</i></b> <br />
<br />
Marriage is no different. You will have to work at it. <br />
<br />
<b><i>Work it.</i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
You will have to forgive (a lot)...<i>seventy time seven includes husbands</i>. <br />
<br />
You will have to give <i>of</i> yourself when you want to be getting <i>for</i> yourself.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>God Himself has joined you together! </b><br />
<br />
No man can separate you!<br />
<br />
That covenant lasts until death! <br />
<br />
<br />
So if you feel a draft or a breeze in your marriage, it may be that you have left the back door open.<br />
<br />
<br />
If this is you: <br />
<br />
<b>Shut the back door!</b><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-32832374111079062462015-10-31T23:43:00.002-05:002015-10-31T23:43:17.652-05:00My first two weeks with Trim Healthy Mama! Whew. I did it. <br />
<br />
<b>Two weeks of <span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="https://store.trimhealthymama.com/#_l_xu" target="_blank">Trim Healthy Mama</a></span>.</b> It IS an accomplishment. For some, it is small. For others it is huge. For me, it is a boost of all kinds of confidence!<br />
<br />
I've told you before about how unprepared I was for being a wife, mother, and homemaker. But I may not have expressed that strongly enough. Really. I could make macaroni-and-cheese and I could make spaghetti. That's it. The rest of my kitchen skills came in a thin square box stamped with "Stouffers" or "Tombstone". Or at least in a box with directions on it.<br />
<br />
<b>Frozen pizza and brownies. We ate a lot of that early in our marriage. </b> Occasionally, I'd branch out and buy a French Bread Pizza. Same box. Same meal. Different shape. <br />
<br />
Since having my daughter (seven years ago), I have s-l-o-w-l-y been on a mission to learn more of my way around all things meal preparation. I started with couponing. That got me a ton of boxes in my pantry that may not actually qualify as <i>food</i>. Sure, I was up for finding deals! But we ended up throwing away most of those great deals.<br />
<br />
And we were still hungry. And not nourished.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Fast forward to this week... </b><br />
<br />
This week, I'm beginning Week 3 on the Trim Healthy Mama Plan! No boxed foods. No packages with directions. Just recipes and ingredients to make my family some amazing meals! <b>And they have been truly amazing!</b><br />
<br />
I will share my menu for week 1 and 2 in my next post, plus a bonus menu for this week (week 3)! <br />
<br />
Just a tip: if you want to try to follow Trim Healthy Mama's plan, I highly recommend buying <span style="color: #e06666;"><b><a href="https://store.trimhealthymama.com/#_l_xu" target="_blank">their new cookbook</a></b></span>. It has been a total game-changer for me, as it gives me so many options for what to make each week, and it labels what type of meal and snack they are so I don't have to figure it out!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>But, Melissa, are you seeing results already??</i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
YES I AM!! (Drumroll, please...)<br />
<br />
I have lost 8 lbs in just 14 days following THM!!!! And, I admit, I had two "cheats" during that time. But it did not knock me off track too badly...since the THM experts tell me that I can get back on track just three hours later! Now THAT is my kind of quick reset!<br />
<br />
No, eight pounds is not very much weight, but since my weight hasn't budged in YEARS of trying various things, I am so pleased! I have a goal to lose at least 40 lbs. So, 8 lbs puts me 1/5th of the way to my goal! At this rate, I'll hit my goal by Christmas!<br />
<br />
Go me! And go YOU, too, if you want to join me on this journey! <br />
<br />
<b>Stay tuned for many more posts on my Trim Healthy Mama meal plans, reviews, and results!</b><br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-6540231611475063662015-10-19T22:56:00.000-05:002015-10-19T22:56:25.698-05:00What a Toothache, Deodorant, and Stealing Have to do With Each Other...After many, many months of online research, I still had not purchased any essential oils. I did not know where to get them, and I did not know if I could trust the brands I had heard about.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7993724875131282279" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Then I got a toothache. My first real toothache. It hurt so bad that I shook in pain. And of course, it was the weekend, so no dentist was open.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7993724875131282279" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>So I went to a "doc-in-the-box", who checked out my tooth and wrote me a prescription for an antibiotic and some pain meds.<br />
<br />
I trusted the antibiotic to take care of the infection. But the pain medicine was disproving itself. It was barely taking the edge off. And, not only that, it was the kind that would knock me out completely. I couldn't take it because my husband had to work all weekend, and I was responsible for my three children. (They were 6, 5, and 3 at that time.) Mommy couldn't sleep all day long. <br />
<br />
<b>So I continued to be in severe pain.</b><br />
<br />
Then, my friend, Stacy, stopped by. She said she had something that she had heard would help my tooth. She left me with a bottle of Thieves Essential Oil from <a href="http://yl.pe/zck" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Young Living</b></span></a>. <br />
<br />
It took only one drop.<br />
<br />
One drop of Thieves Essential Oil dropped directly on my tooth and gums, and my pain was GONE. It numbed everything so fast!<br />
<br />
So I asked her, "Where can I buy some more oils?", and she told me about the kit. It was a great price, included some great oils, and I had some extra cash to spend on myself. <br />
<br />
<b>I just wanted to make deodorant! </b><br />
<br />
That was my big goal! I wanted to ditch my chemical-laden deodorant for something homemade. That's the single reason I bought the kit of oils. Well, that, and because it was a deal!<br />
<br />
Since that time--which was around two and a half years ago--I have learned of all the many wonderful benefits of using essential oils! They have helped us treat minor things at home, lower our budget for co-pays for doctor visits (since we do not go very often anymore!), and yes--to make deodorant!<br />
<br />
I'm here to tell you that the kit I bought was a DEAL. <b>But this month, you have an even better option for <a href="http://yl.pe/zck" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">getting started with Young Living essential oils</span></a>! </b><br />
<br />
By signing up as a Wholesale Member through my referral, you still have the opportunity to get the great kit of oils (which includes a diffuser)! But if you get that kit AND add a few member favorites oils to reach a minimum order amount, you will also get<b> a extra diffuser--FOR FREE!!! </b>You will WANT one of these in every room!!<br />
<br />
This month, I am ordering a large amount of the oils we use most often through the fall season so that I reach that minimum order for the free diffuser, too! This month, I'll be ordering oils that <span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".1u.1:$mid=11445111805568=2f31c9c379e5ba9e792.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".1u.1:$mid=11445111805568=2f31c9c379e5ba9e792.2:0.0.0.0.0.0">help promote restful sleep, support the immune system, promote emotional well-being, help with upset/sour stomachs, help with muscle discomfort after exercise, and much, much more.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".1u.1:$mid=11445111805568=2f31c9c379e5ba9e792.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".1u.1:$mid=11445111805568=2f31c9c379e5ba9e792.2:0.0.0.0.0.0">Some of the oils I'll be getting are Thieves, RC (respiratory care), ImmuPower, Raven, Frankincense, Lemon, Lavender, Peppermint, and then one of my all-time favorites: NingXia Red!!!</span></span><br />
<br />
If you have thought about getting started using essential oils, now is a great time to get more for your money than ever before! Not only is the kit of oils a huge savings, but just ordering a few more oils gets you a free diffuser! <b><i>It's like stealing!! </i></b><br />
<br />
Oh! And you also will continue to get the 24% Member discount pricing in future purchases!<b><i> </i></b><br />
<br />
If you are interested in this deal, <a href="http://yl.pe/zck" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>click here</b></span></a> to get started. If you have any questions, you can email me at melissa.faraboverubies@gmail.com. I'd love to help you get started on your own journey!<br />
<br />
Whether it is to help a toothache, make deodorant, or just get this deal on some amazing oils for your family--or if you want more info on how to create a small (or large) income on the side--Young Living has what you need!<br />
<br />
<b>Don't miss out on this STEAL of a DEAL! </b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-18244156323043774862015-10-12T04:30:00.000-05:002015-10-31T22:42:46.209-05:00Quick Giveaway! (Trim Healthy Mama!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><b>***This giveaway has ended, but please read my initial </b></i></div>
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<i><b>review about Trim Healthy Mama below!***</b></i> </div>
<br />
This giveaway is so very late! I was offered this book about 9 months ago so that I could give it away to one of you awesome readers. Then we got busy packing for a move. Then we moved. Then we unpacked. Then we started school again.<br />
<br />
Then I found the box with this book packed inside. Lucky you! (One of you!)<br />
<br />
So here I am...ready to give this one away!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VHFkK7KEuPyVnJiNU9hHUh3DykHJ4f1Ewm67wEPWe4iXC06rBORe2vCCJWsvb_mKDF_U_pSXgSPtAprnPpIvCr4pAnbuoHLS2AbuYKgA5pBRAWBEoxU3w-UsNhIlIGHlggFdw_V-Jxk/s1600/20151011_213753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VHFkK7KEuPyVnJiNU9hHUh3DykHJ4f1Ewm67wEPWe4iXC06rBORe2vCCJWsvb_mKDF_U_pSXgSPtAprnPpIvCr4pAnbuoHLS2AbuYKgA5pBRAWBEoxU3w-UsNhIlIGHlggFdw_V-Jxk/s320/20151011_213753.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
For those of you who have never heard of <a href="https://store.trimhealthymama.com/#_l_xu" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Trim Healthy Mama</span></b></a>...it is AMAZING.<br />
<br />
I am still devouring all that it has inside, as I begin to implement the plan. That sounds like I haven't started following their plan--and that is correct--BUT...<br />
<br />
...it just makes sense.<br />
<br />
I had gestational diabetes when pregnant with my third baby. There were diabetes classes, meal plans, forbidden foods, and pricking fingers to get blood sugar levels all throughout the day. Thankfully, I never had to be on insulin.<br />
<br />
Much of what I learned about how my body responds to food, and what to feed it, is even further explained in Trim Healthy Mama! It is a more in-depth "class" than my diabetes classes were!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://store.trimhealthymama.com/#_l_xu" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Trim Healthy Mama</span></b></a> has already taught me about what food does inside my body once I eat it. I've learned so much about which foods cause my blood sugars to spike, and which foods help me keep it level. This book includes recipes as well as encouragement to keep you on your journey! <br />
<br />
I'm super excited to one day get their new book and cookbook (which I hear is just incredible)! But in the meantime, I definitely want to get this book in the hands of one of you readers who never splurged, but wanted to, on their first book!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0988775115/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0988775115&linkCode=as2&tag=faraborub0b-20&linkId=ZMIDM7VRQLRZN3OX"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0988775115&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=faraborub0b-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=faraborub0b-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0988775115" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<br />
To enter, all you have to do is leave me a comment below! Tell me why YOU would love to have a copy of <a href="http://amzn.to/1jjymMA" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Trim Healthy Mama</span></b></a> for yourself! <br />
<br />
I'd sure love it if you'd share my blog with a friend, like <b><span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/faraboverubies31" target="_blank">Far Above Rubies on Facebook</a></span></b>, and share any post you love...but to be in the running for this book, just comment below!<br />
<br />
And if you don't win this copy, come back to this post and click on the links in this post to get your own copies of their great books and/or other products to follow the plan!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Giveaway will end Sunday, October 18, 2015, at midnight and the winner will be announced Monday, October 19th, 2015. </span></span></i></div>
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<br />
<i><b>***UPDATE: The winner is Bronda B.! </b></i><br />
<i><b>Her name was chosen randomly using random.org. </b></i><br />
<i><b>Congratulations, Bronda!***</b></i><br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-71189303474708182582015-10-09T04:00:00.000-05:002015-10-09T04:00:01.101-05:00That Time I Was a ProstituteIt was my own idea. And my husband let me do it.<br />
<br />
It was one of those "Sarai" kind of ideas...much like her plan to give Hagar to Abram to hurry along the promise of the Lord. Or so she thought.<br />
<br />
Instead of a blessing, it became a source of discontentment. A source of wanting more. <b>It was not the answer to prayers, nor was it the provision of the promise.</b><br />
<br />
We needed the money and it was the only way for us to make it. We already had two children--two very young children. They'd never know I did it. I'd quit doing it before they were old enough to remember. And it would be in the past. <br />
<br />
Only--it has followed me to the present. And I suspect it will continue to be part of my future. It is something I cannot stay silent about.<br />
<br />
<br />
You see, I chose to be the harlot. I did not know at that time that I was selling myself.<br />
<br />
I did not know at that time that my choice made my husband an accessory to being outside of the will of God. He had full knowledge of what I was doing. <b>And I, like Eve, had handed this "forbidden fruit" to him like it was the best option. <i>The only option, it seemed. </i></b><br />
<br />
I did it for the money.<br />
<br />
<b>And I know the money was my only reason--because had
they stopped paying me for my services, I would have stopped providing
my services. </b><br />
<br />
<br />
While I was doing it...I was not thinking about my husband, my children, or my home AT ALL. <br />
<br />
I had to put my heart, soul, mind, and strength into just getting through each day...you know--to bring home the cash. To be good at what I was doing, I had to forget that I had a husband and children at home to love. In order to not be totally overwhelmed with the responsibilities of the job, I had to forget that I had a home to build and manage.<br />
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<br />
<span style="color: #e06666;">To be clear, I am not talking about <i>actual </i>prostitution. <i><b>Just so we are clear. </b> </i></span><br />
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<br />
But I did sell my body for cash. <br />
<br />
<b>I did put myself in the position of submission to another man other than my husband. </b><br />
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I did let my heart wander from home. And I let my feet follow. Remember, it was <i>my </i>idea.<br />
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<b>While the money was big--the discontentment was bigger. </b>All of a sudden, I found myself dreading things like cooking meals for my family, cleaning my home, and caring for my children. It was much easier to just not do them. But, I still had to--even after returning home every evening. <i> </i><br />
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<i>Talk about the perfect fertilizer for a seed of bitterness in my heart.</i><br />
<br />
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You may think it harsh for me to call it prostitution, but it is because I know where my heart was at that time that I can call it that. I do not sit on a pedestal of having "always been at home" and say that you should be as well, simply because I am. I speak of that which I know--of that which I lived.<br />
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It was my idea to leave my home to seek after more. <br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>"And there a woman met him, with the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>She was loud and rebellious, her feet would not stay at home." --Proverbs 7:10-11</b></span></div>
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<br />
It was during that time that I, too, became loud and rebellious. I began to believe the lies that I should be who the surrounding culture says I should be, and do what they say I should do. And that my "rights" were there for the taking.<br />
<br />
<br />
This passage struck me:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">"I will not have mercy on her children, for they are the children of harlotry. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">For their mother has played the harlot; she who conceived them has behaved </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">shamefully. For she said, 'I will go after my lovers, who give me my bread and </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">my water, my wool and my linen, my oil and my drink.'" --Hosea 2:4-5</span></b></div>
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I was that mother playing the harlot. I was going after "lovers" who payed me.<br />
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<b>Not believing that the Lord provides for His own. </b></div>
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<b>Not believing that He knows my needs before I even ask Him. </b></div>
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<b>Not believing that He made and continues to grow the food for us to eat. </b></div>
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<b>Not trusting that He will give me all that I need.</b></div>
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<br />
I did not say He will give me all that I <i>want</i>. In fact, He will withhold what I ask of Him if my motives are not pure. (James 4:3)<br />
<br />
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But I did not <i>know </i>Him, and I did not believe Him. And because of my unbelief, I was unwilling to let Jesus be my strength in doing all things.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span class="text Phil-4-11" id="en-NKJV-29454">"...for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: </span><span class="text Phil-4-12" id="en-NKJV-29455"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>I
know how to </span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span class="text Phil-4-12" id="en-NKJV-29455">be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all
things </span><span class="text Phil-4-12" id="en-NKJV-29455">I have </span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span class="text Phil-4-12" id="en-NKJV-29455">learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound
and to suffer need. </span></b></span><span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span class="text Phil-4-13" id="en-NKJV-29456"><sup class="versenum"> </sup></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span class="text Phil-4-13" id="en-NKJV-29456"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span class="text Phil-4-13" id="en-NKJV-29456">Philippians 4:11-13</span></b></span></div>
<span class="text Phil-4-13" id="en-NKJV-29456"><br /></span>
<span class="text Phil-4-13" id="en-NKJV-29456"><br />Whether living with plenty or living in want, Christ is our strength. This verse does NOT mean that Christ is our strength to do what is outside of God's will for us, so that we can have what we want. </span><br />
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<b><span class="text Phil-4-13" id="en-NKJV-29456">He gives us strength in His will and His strength comes in the </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="text Phil-4-13" id="en-NKJV-29456">form of contentment </span><span class="text Phil-4-13" id="en-NKJV-29456">with what He provides in HIS way. </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="text Phil-4-13" id="en-NKJV-29456">He strengthens us as we stand against and without the world's </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="text Phil-4-13" id="en-NKJV-29456">goods </span><span class="text Phil-4-13" id="en-NKJV-29456">and are content with only eternal goods. </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="text Phil-4-13" id="en-NKJV-29456">He promises us that He cares about our needs, </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="text Phil-4-13" id="en-NKJV-29456">knows them, and will provide them. </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Phil-4-13" id="en-NKJV-29456"></span><span class="text Phil-4-13" id="en-NKJV-29456"></span><span class="text Phil-4-13" id="en-NKJV-29456"> </span></div>
<br />
<br />
If I was <i>actually </i>working as a prostitute, most would agree that it is wrong for me to do that just to provide money for my family.<br />
<br />
<b>As I examine the heart and the choices which took me away from my husband, my children, and my home...I see no difference in the work I did and that of a prostitute. </b><br />
<br />
<br />
I did not trust the Lord to provide through my husband's work. I did not gain strength from Him to be content with or without the things of this world. I was just after the paycheck.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
During that time, though, the Lord pursued me--Hosea style--starting with my heart. He turned my heart toward home. He also blessed us with our third baby--as a total shock to us! (Well, maybe not TOTAL.)<br />
<br />
<br />
I am so thankful to the Lord for showing me my own sin of unbelief and my own lack of faith. I am beyond grateful that He showed me His will and His way.<br />
<br />
<b>I have never been more at peace--and more content--than I am now...</b><br />
<b><br />...<i>at home</i>.</b><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-68640974055369060842015-05-23T23:15:00.003-05:002015-05-23T23:15:42.512-05:00Remember Who You AreIn the Bible, we have read about the adulterous woman. Jesus named her sin, called her forgiven, and sent her on her way.<br />
<br />
<b>But we still remember her as "the adulterous woman".</b><br />
<br />
<br />
David was a man after God's own heart, but we also remember him an adulterer and a murderer.<br />
<br />
<br />
What if we viewed Paul the same way? What if he was still called "Pharisee of Pharisees" and "the man who persecutes the church"? <br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7993724875131282279" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<br />
In fact, Paul said it himself, "<span class="btext2">They only were hearing it said, 'He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.'" (Galatians 1:23)</span><br />
<span class="btext2"><br /></span>
<span class="btext2">He claimed his past in that statement. He named what he used to do, and he named what he is currently doing, about which he wrote, "And they glorified God because of me." </span><br />
<br />
<b>We should not look back on someone's past for any reason except to glorify God for the work He has done in them to get to their present!</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In the book <a href="http://amzn.to/1AqyFwl" target="_blank"><b>The Good and Beautiful God</b></a>, the author writes about how Christians are "new creations": <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">"You know how a butterfly becomes a butterfly, I'm sure. ... The butterfly was </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">once a caterpillar, a worm. It could only crawl, and could not fly. But it goes </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">into a cocoon--a chrysalis, in which the root word, appropriately, is 'Christ'. </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">And it emerges a butterfly, completely transformed. The old has passed. The </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">new has arrived. It was once weighed down by gravity; now it can fly. </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Christians were once under the reign of sin, but now we can live in freedom. </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">And can you see why it's so painful to me that so many Christians don't understand </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">this? When I hear a Christian say, 'I'm just a sinner saved by grace,' I want to say, </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">'That makes as much sense as a butterfly saying, 'I'm just a worm with wings.'"</span></b></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7993724875131282279" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<br />
In this day and age, it will be hard to keep the faith. <b>When the world wants to call you by your past, it will be harder to remember who God says you are!</b><br />
<br />
For more on butterflies, read<a href="http://www.aboverubies.net/2014/03/just-caterpillar.html" target="_blank"> this post</a>. But in the meantime, when you hear the world (or the church) telling you who you are, according to your past, remember these things:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>You are adopted as sons.</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>"H</b></span><span class="btext2"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>e predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="btext2"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>according to the purpose of his will" (Ephesians 1:5)</b></span></span></div>
<br />
<b>You are loved. </b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="st"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and
only Son, </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="st"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal
life." </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="st"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>(John 3:16)</b></span></span></div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7993724875131282279" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<b>You are forgiven.</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>in accordance with the riches of God's grace." (Ephesians 1:7)</b></span><span class="p"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<b>You are a new creation.</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>"If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>passed away; see, everything has become new!" (2 Corinthians 5:17) </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<b>You are blameless.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="line" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span class="text Ps-103-11" id="en-NIV-15561">"For as high as the heavens are above the earth,</span> <span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-103-11">so great is his love for </span></span></b></span></div>
<div class="line" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-103-11">those who fear him;</span></span><span class="text Ps-103-12" id="en-NIV-15562"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>as far as the east is from the west,</span> <span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-103-12">so far has he removed </span></span></b></span></div>
<div class="line" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-103-12">our transgressions from us. </span></span><span class="text Ps-103-13" id="en-NIV-15563">As a father has compassion on his children,</span> </b></span><span class="indent-1"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span></b></span><span class="text Ps-103-13"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>so </b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-103-13"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> has compassion on those who fear him." (Psalm 103:11-13)</b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-103-13"><br /></span></span>
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-103-13"></span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-103-13"><b>Have faith in what He says<i>...and remember who you are.</i></b></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-72771115616068125122015-05-22T16:40:00.001-05:002015-05-22T16:40:08.452-05:00The Duggars: What's In a Name?I had hoped to refrain from writing about the Duggars latest headlines, but I have seen so many posts lately that I feel I must at least share thoughts. <br />
<br />
<i>Before I say anything else, know that I would never condone behaviors that the media has us believing has occurred. </i><br /><br />
<br />
<br />
Now here is what I've had on my mind this week regarding the Name above all names: <br />
<br /><br />We do not KNOW what Josh Duggar did. Josh has not described in detail what he did, or to whom he did it. And we were not there.<br /><br /><b>But...Jehovah Shammah (the Lord is there)... He was there.</b><br /><br /><br />A police report is shown online. Does that make it real? Does it make it factual? Does it make it true? We do not know.<br /><br /><b>But Jehova El Emeth (The Lord God of Truth).... He knows. </b><br /><br /><br />Were any of us there? To see what happened...to see the victims come forward...to see how the family dealt with it? We do not know any of that with certainty.<br /><br /><b>But El Roi (the God Who sees).... He saw.</b><br /><br /><br />Are we keeping this story at the forefront of our minds and Facebook pages because we care about the hearts of Josh Duggar, his wife, children, his sisters and family? I've known enough rape victims in my life to know that the one thing they don't want to do is live through it AGAIN. Yet we want to bring all of this up--which they seem to have all moved past in a healthy way--so they can all relive it.<br />
<br />
IF there is any truth to the media's accounts, are we hoping for healing or just punishment? If healing has come after 12 years of time, are we praising God or are we still wanting earthly consequences? <br />
<br /><b>El Kana (Jealous God).... He wants Josh's heart, the sisters' hearts, and our hearts.</b><br /><br /><br />Are we of such little faith that we cannot believe that God can perform a miracle in the life of a young man going down the wrong path and <i>redeem </i>him? Are we of such little faith that we cannot believe that He can <i>restore </i>the victims in every way and restore relationships within their family? Are we of such little faith that we no longer believe that one who repents with a pure heart can be completely transformed by a powerful God? With man it is impossible...but WITH GOD...ALL things are possible!<br /><br /><b>El Shaddai (God Almighty) says nothing is impossible for Him!</b><br />
<br />
<b>Jehovah-Rapha (the God who Heals) can bring healing to victims.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Jehovah-M'Kaddesh (the Lord who sanctifies and makes holy) can bring forth change in a humble, repentant heart. </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><br />Are you surprised by a story like this? Did you expect that the Duggars would live sinless lives? Only ONE Man has done this--Jesus. The rest of us have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. <br />
<br />
Would others be surprised if your sins were laid out on a media screen? <br /><br /><b>El Elyon (the Most High) reigns! He is not surprised by this!</b><br /><br /><br />Do we believe God is love? Do we believe He saves? Can we put all of the past in His hands? And when I say all...<i>I mean all</i>...Josh's past, my past, your past. <br />
<br />
<i>And all of our past that hasn't happened yet. </i><br /><br /><b>Yahweh (unchanging God) is the same yesterday, today, and forever. </b><br />
<br />
<br />
I am still not condoning the behavior which the media has reported. I just do not know if it is all true. The police report has discrepancies (and I read all 33 pages of it), and the report I saw had a watermark for a gossip column (InTouch). That makes me suspect of the legitimacy of what has been reported by the media. Specifically, that it was marked as a felony, but no further action was taken by the police or those in authority. If it included felony acts, I believe there would have been further penalty for the offender. <br />
<br />
<br />
But no matter what we do or is done to us, there is still One on Whom we can count. One in Whom we place our trust for daily bread and for justice in all matters. <br />
<br />
<b>Adonai (Lord).... </b><br />
<br />
He is the Lord our God, and He will sort it all out in the end. <br />
<br />
Let's leave it to Him, for He is able. <br />
<br />
And there...right there...is peace...<br />
<br />
<b>For we know that Jehovah-Shalom (the Lord our Peace) was there all along.</b><br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-6334358847169450102015-04-20T08:46:00.000-05:002015-04-20T08:46:10.031-05:00The Ultimate Homemaking Bundle Is Here! Why I LOVE it!<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for clicking my links!)</span> </i><br />
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<br />
<b>I will never forget the moment I found out I was having a daughter! </b> First, I cried! A sweet little girl was on her way! <br />
<br />
Next, I got so excited about all the things I would teach her! <br />
<br />
<br />
I'd teach her how to cook! <br />
<br />
How to clean!<br />
<br />
How to shop for groceries! <br />
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How to manage her home!<br />
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How to do all the things that I do as a homemaker! <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7993724875131282279" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><b>There was just ONE problem! I had NO CLUE what I was doing! </b>Seriously...I was at home full-time with one child already. But I was not managing well to keep my home neat and clean. I had no idea how to prepare a meal for a family of TWO, much less three or four (or more)! I had not taken Home Economics in school, so I truly had no idea even what my "job" required of me!<br />
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<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-18438514284500447542015-03-05T10:05:00.002-06:002015-03-05T10:05:24.573-06:00Will I Vote for God or Freedom?: My Answer to This Tough Question<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7993724875131282279" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>There are so many issues in this world on which we can give an opinion. My pastor preached this Sunday and said, "People need to stop having an opinion on the things for which God has a standard!" I tend to speak up on the standards rather than giving my opinions.<br />
<br />
Today a friend asked me a question, and I thought it would be a good one to share here to get your thoughts as well. Her question was after a conversation about my view of choice regarding vaccinations for our children. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>She asked me, "<span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707800141659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707800141659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707800141659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707800141659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Do you also have the same pro-choice view </span></span></span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707800141659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707800141659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707800141659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707800141659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">on other topics such as abortion or gay marriage?" </span></span></span></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707800141659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707800141659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707800141659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707800141659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">TOUGH question to answer, no doubt. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707800141659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707800141659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707800141659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707800141659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><b>And here is my reply: </b></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">On
ALL issues, it is a difficult vote--and they want it to be. The lines
used to </span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">be morally and politically aligned. Freedom meant
responsibility--and that </span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">responsibility was to God and freedom. My kids
and I are studying American </span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">history and the Ma</span></span><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">yflower
Compact was for that very alignment. I'm NOT for </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">abortion at
all--because that is one choice that takes the choice from another life. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">There's a double standard on that issue also--because if someone hits a
pregnant </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">woman and she and her baby both die, that person will be
charged TWICE with </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">vehicular homicide, but if the mother chooses to take
the baby's life, it is okay. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">DOUBLE STANDARD. One freedom may not
impose on another's freedom. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">Regarding marriage--I fear for our nation
for allowing it--because God destroyed </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">the nations who allowed it.
Literally destroyed them (Sodom and Gomorrah). </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">Unfortunately, we have
to vote for either God or America. I'll vote for God over </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">America every
time. I'll answer to Him. Does that mean I am for freedom in one </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"> instance and not another? No--I'm for freedom all around--but when
abortion kills </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">another human, it isn't a right to be considered. And
when one person's sexuality and </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">marriage means they take away the rights
of another person to exercise their morals, </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">then we have to vote
against that freedom. It's tough, no doubt. But both of those </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">tickets
want us to vote for one right, and then take away another's right to
disagree </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">with their choice. DOUBLE STANDARD.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2s1.1:3:1:$comment10152707487671659_10152707820296659:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><b>There. I shared my thoughts, now it's your turn! What would you say to answer that question? Tell me in the comments! </b></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-74412352632332404632015-03-03T03:30:00.000-06:002015-03-03T03:30:00.351-06:00Upholding a StandardLadies, I am working out some technical kinks in getting videos to you, and that has prevented me from having time to type out all that I say for now. Please click on the video to hear what I share today! It is an important message!<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7993724875131282279" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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Thank you for watching! Tell me what you think in the comments!<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703408804514622727noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-44581308582690582762015-03-01T22:51:00.003-06:002015-03-01T22:52:40.267-06:00One Year Blogiversary - And my first video!Hi Ladies! Just wanted to get this video on the blog for those who have not yet seen it.<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7993724875131282279" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>I want to thank you for being here at Far Above Rubies for the past year with me! Hear what I've learned in one year of blogging as well as what I have coming in 2015! <br />
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More videos coming soon! Stay tuned, and you can also subscribe to my Youtube channel! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01703408804514622727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-52840445856392501582015-02-17T12:17:00.000-06:002015-02-17T12:17:03.430-06:00Who Cares About ISIS?<b><i>ISIS.</i></b><br />
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A name that reaps anger and fear across the world today.<br />
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Black uniforms, covered faces, heartless souls. Or so they seem.<br />
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<b>Underneath the black masks are eyes who can no more behold the face of God than I.</b><br />
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He went to the cross for their sins just like He did for mine.<br />
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When Jesus said, "It is finished", it was finished for them as much as for me.<br />
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The only difference?<br />
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I have come to know the love of Christ. They do not know that love.<br />
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He loves them; of that, I have no doubt. <i><b>But they do not know the God who IS love.</b></i><br />
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They are the lost. They believe they are killing FOR Him. Only, He has not asked us to kill.<br />
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<i>He has asked us to love. </i><br />
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When we realize how He loves us, we cannot help but love Him in return! <b>And the overflow of giving and receiving love from a Holy God flows to others, including our enemies.</b><br />
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Who cares about ISIS?<br />
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<i>We should all care. </i><br />
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We should love them. Truly love them. Because He says to.<br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>"<span class="text Matt-5-43"><span class="woj">You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor<sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-23278a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-23278a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]"></sup> and </span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span class="text Matt-5-43"><span class="woj">hate your enemy.’</span></span> <span class="text Matt-5-44" id="en-NIV-23279"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"></sup>But I tell you, love your enemies and pray </span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span class="text Matt-5-44" id="en-NIV-23279"><span class="woj">for those who persecute you,</span></span> <span class="text Matt-5-45" id="en-NIV-23280"><span class="woj">that you may be children
of your Father </span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span class="text Matt-5-45" id="en-NIV-23280"><span class="woj">in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil <i>and </i>the
good, and sends </span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span class="text Matt-5-45" id="en-NIV-23280"><span class="woj">rain on the righteous <i>and </i>the unrighteous.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-5-46" id="en-NIV-23281"><span class="woj">If you love those who love you, </span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span class="text Matt-5-46" id="en-NIV-23281"><span class="woj">what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?</span></span> <span class="text Matt-5-47" id="en-NIV-23282"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> </sup> </span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span class="text Matt-5-47" id="en-NIV-23282"><span class="woj">And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? </span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span class="text Matt-5-47" id="en-NIV-23282"><span class="woj">Do not even pagans do that?</span></span> </b></span><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NIV-23283"><span class="woj"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NIV-23283"><span class="woj"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b> </b></span></span></span><span class="text Matt-5-48" id="en-NIV-23283"><span class="woj"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>--Jesus, in Matthew 5:43-48</b></span></span></span></div>
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Can we love them across the ocean?<br />
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Can we love them if they enter our land?<br />
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<i><b>What if they dress us in orange and walk us in line to our own martyrdom? </b></i><br />
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Could we ask the Lord to forgive them like Jesus petitioned the Father to forgive those who took part in His crucifixion?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Luke 23:34</span></b></div>
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Right now, ISIS is a group of men who will not be saved eternally. They have rejected Jesus as Lord and Savior.<br />
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They are performing evil.<br />
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<i><b>They are souls in need of salvation. </b></i><br />
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Will you join me in praying for all those who call themselves ISIS? <i> </i><br />
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<i>Because He wants us to. </i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-70434609594313314132015-02-12T11:23:00.000-06:002015-02-12T11:23:12.086-06:00No Man is an Island!God never meant for us to do life alone, or to bear our burdens alone. He tells us even to confess our sins--not just to Him for forgiveness, but also to one another for healing! (My pastor just preached a wonderful sermon on this <b><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/message/stay-free1" target="_blank">here</a></span></b>.)<br />
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As I contemplated (which means I was thinking and thinking and thinking) about all that he preached, I heard a song lyric as if it were amplified in my radio above all other sounds around me.<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">"You don't have to fight me, I am for you."</span></div>
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Only part of a song, and its meaning is that we are in this together. <br />
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But how many times do we fight even the Lord Most High?<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7993724875131282279" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>How many times do we fight against His way and His will?<br />
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Why do we not want what He wants?<br />
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Why do we think we need what <i>we </i>want, instead of accepting what He offers?<br />
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Like the song says, "You don't have to fight [Him], [He] is for you!"<br />
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Through setbacks and progress...He is for us!<br />
Through loss and gain...He is for us!<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7993724875131282279" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7993724875131282279" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Through the good and the bad...He is for us!<br />
When it is easy and when it is hard....He is for us! <br />
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When He calls you to do His will, you don't have to fight Him...He is for you!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>"If God is for us, who can be against us?"</b></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Romans 8:31</span></b></span></div>
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b></b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b></b></span>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5t8ORnWNSfQ</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-23292999871885768522015-02-10T13:44:00.000-06:002015-02-10T13:44:28.812-06:00How Christians Should Respond to Social Debates<div style="text-align: left;">
I've determined that every "social" debate in our current day comes down to the same bottom line. We don't trust God enough, and because of that mistrust, we test Him in areas we shouldn't. Just to name a few specific examples:<b> </b></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7993724875131282279" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><b>Vaccines</b>:</div>
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God created us, and we are wonderfully made. Some argue that we should take vaccines willingly because our immune systems were made by Him and therefore can take them. Well, that also means our immune systems were made to fight disease in the first place. So we don't trust His creation to work as it should, but we trust that MAN will come up with the solution to fix what God did not create "very good" enough. In essence, we are testing Him to protect us from something we don't
have faith to believe He will protect us from in the first place! We need to trust HIM when He said we are "very good"! <br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7993724875131282279" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<b>Foods:</b><br />
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He created foods for us, in the form of animal meats, fruits and vegetables. He created foods that are specific for our bodies to digest. But instead, we eat foods that MAN makes and packages neatly for us. Sure, it looks nice in the pantry, but it doesn't help our bodies to function at their created ability (see #1 above). Let's eat what He made for us to eat, trusting that the Creator knows what is best for those whom He created. <br />
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<br />
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<b>Breastmilk vs. Formula:</b><br />
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Babies are all born with the same created bodily functions as the rest of us. They also have food created by God for them...it's called breastmilk. It is the only food that their systems were created to digest. Formula was created to be a supplement--it was NOT created to be the main source of nourishment for human babies. The breast was the ONLY source of feeding babies, even if it required a "wet nurse" (before there were pumps and bottles). Now, though, we rely on MAN to create a food for our babies, which (in my own personal experience) can cause more harm than good--such as eczema, respiratory issues, more frequent sickness (due to baby not getting the antibodies from breastmilk), and so forth. Formula is not as good as breastmilk because of one BIG reason: it was not the design of God, but the design of man. <br />
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<br />
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<b>Politics:</b><br />
<br />We keep trying to find a politician who is "fit" to lead us. Well, there isn't a MAN fit to lead all of God's people. Israel once begged for a King and this is what the Lord said: "This will be the behavior of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them for his own chariots and to be his horsemen, and some will run before his chariots. He will appoint captains over his thousands and captains over his fifties, will set some to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and some to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. He will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. And he will take the best of your fields, your vineyards, and your olive groves, and give them to his servants. He will take a tenth of your grain and your vintage, and give it to his officers and servants. And he will take your male servants, your female servants, your finest young men, and your donkeys, and put them to his work. He will take a tenth of your sheep. And you will be his servants. <i> </i><br />
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<i>"And you will cry out in that day because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, and the Lord will not hear you in that day</i>." <br /><br />The people responded, "We WILL have a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight out battles." So the Lord said to Samuel, "Heed their voice, and make them a king." (1 Samuel 8:11-22)<br /><br />We keep voting and looking for a man to do in our lives what we should be looking for God to do: to be our KING. He is the One for whom we should vote. He is the One for whom we should put signs up in our yard to show our allegiance. He is the One whose "office" needs to be more respected than it currently is. <br />
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<br /><b>ALL of these issues, and others, come down to "we of little faith". </b><br />Do we trust that He is with us, even in the storms of this life? <br />
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Do we trust the WAY of the Lord as much as Mary did when she said, "May it be to me as You have said." (Luke 1:38) She was not just accepting a pregnancy and baby, but was accepting the death penalty--which was the custom at the time when a woman was found to have had sexual relations outside of marriage. <br />
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What if the way of the world becomes one that takes our life or the life of our child? Do we trust Him enough to know that this world is temporary? Do we believe that story we've been hearing since we were kids in Sunday School class? Do we believe there is a heaven, and that our faith gets us in? Are we so sure of what God has promised us eternally that we are torn, as Paul was, between our life here on earth and our eternal life with our Lord? <i><b>Do we trust Him enough to long for heaven, no matter how we get there?</b></i><br />
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But while we are here, do we trust Him enough to choose what He says is best? For everything from our foods, what we feed our babies, what we do with our time (such as being busy at home or busy making money), to staying married even when it's hard.....God has told us His way. <br />
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<b>Do we trust Him enough to take up our cross and follow Him in the way we should go? </b><br />
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So how should believers respond to these debates? We should not be conformed to this world, that's for sure. And the way we do that is to:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span class="highl">"Trust in the LORD with all your heart </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span class="highl">And do not lean on your own understanding.</span> </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><span class="reftext"></span>In all your ways acknowledge Him, </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>And He will make your paths straight." </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Proverbs 3:5-6</b></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-58553259014177440302015-01-25T23:19:00.002-06:002015-01-25T23:19:59.519-06:00Jesus: 1. Deer: 0. Thank you, Lord!On the way home from the store last night, I hit a deer. My daughter was with me. As soon as it happened, I said, "Princess*, are you okay?" (She barely noticed the impact.)<br />
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I said, with a sigh of relief, "We are okay."<br />
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Then I pulled over to the side of the road and said aloud, "<i>Thank you, Lord</i>, for your protection in that!" My daughter said, "Yes, thank you, Lord!"<br />
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I called my husband to let him know and to be sure I could keep driving home (it happened less than a tenth of a mile from our neighborhood entrance). Based on the location of the damage to the car, we were fine to drive home. The car <i>is</i> damaged, but not as badly as it <i>could</i> have been.<br />
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<i>Thank you, Lord.</i><br />
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As I sat in bed last night, my mind replaying that moment, I remembered that on the way to the store, I had asked my daughter, "Princess*, do you love Jesus?" She had replied, enthusiastically, "Yes!" And I asked her why she loved Him, and she said, "Because He is our Lord's Son!"<br />
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As I gloried in her response, I remembered <i>where</i> on the road that the impact occurred.<br />
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<b>The deer ran out in front of us at the exact same point on that road that she had said "Yes!"</b><br />
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No matter where we are going in our lives, and no matter what happens at any point, the most important thing is that we love Jesus. If we believe in Him as the Son of God and as our Savior, then what happens on this side (of life) doesn't matter.<br />
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On the other side, it's all better than good, if we love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.<br />
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<i>Thank you, Lord. </i><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>"As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.<span class="p">"</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="p"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>--Psalm 42:1</b></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7993724875131282279.post-45982078661521570512014-12-14T23:30:00.000-06:002014-12-20T20:13:16.230-06:00Mothering Herbs Review and Giveaway! (I love this stuff!)<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This giveaway has ended. Thank you for participating!</i> </span></div>
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Ladies, I am SO excited to share with you a company that I know will bless many of you!<br />
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I came to hear about <b><a href="http://www.motheringherbs.com/" target="_blank">Mothering Herbs</a> </b>from a friend's post on Facebook. Mothering Herbs is a mother-daughter team in the business of bringing you the natural products you need. <br />
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I knew I wanted to try some of the products my friend had shared, and Mothering Herbs has sent me those items to try, just so I can tell YOU about them!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEZQDc7DScd2JaexL9h2jZt0Kxmr1hPst01TNhYTgJtO8tjQWjchHUK7ZCRlff14S9z5guxdaQRybbEIy2hmNUX3HLIaMhTA_yKTlJ8TMemOxGBXffDhbJFK6saf0hZILBd627tgC6_I/s1600/Gift+Basket+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEZQDc7DScd2JaexL9h2jZt0Kxmr1hPst01TNhYTgJtO8tjQWjchHUK7ZCRlff14S9z5guxdaQRybbEIy2hmNUX3HLIaMhTA_yKTlJ8TMemOxGBXffDhbJFK6saf0hZILBd627tgC6_I/s1600/Gift+Basket+Pic.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have had the privilege of trying these products:<br />
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<b>Organic Hand Sanitizer </b><br />
<b>Herbal Healing Balm</b><br />
<b>Organic Baby Shampoo and Body Wash</b><br />
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First of all, I don't have an infant in my house. So I have been using the <b>Organic Baby Shampoo and Body Wash</b> on my youngest, who is 4 years old. He has a head full of straight, short hair. He also likes to get dirty. I found this wash to be very different than what you'd buy in the store--and that is a GOOD thing! The ones from the store contain so many chemicals and dry out both their skin and hair. This shampoo and body wash contains only organic ingredients, comes out of the container as a foam, and does not make the same skin drying suds as store brands do.<br />
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I personally would love it if there was a more "baby-like" scent in the shampoo and body wash...BUT since it is organic and safe for my little one, I would rather any smell than chemical smell! <b>It has been a great product to use on my messy little guy--from top to bottom!</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6I0TAyuSFe3-yWjc8T2MMC5hStTskUyrcFYQ1TvybsMB3w0_hr7mlZXrdcnlc-ZRlgfjoLRen3T0wA1RjLoc5jgMbXLr9ea7m98BIEP59iJEsx2BQ8MHugOlGl7gyYw0AvmdQ0oaWdw/s1600/Herbal+Healing+Balm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6I0TAyuSFe3-yWjc8T2MMC5hStTskUyrcFYQ1TvybsMB3w0_hr7mlZXrdcnlc-ZRlgfjoLRen3T0wA1RjLoc5jgMbXLr9ea7m98BIEP59iJEsx2BQ8MHugOlGl7gyYw0AvmdQ0oaWdw/s1600/Herbal+Healing+Balm.jpg" /></a></div>
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The next one is the <b>Herbal Healing Balm (Lemongrass)</b>. It comes in a BPA-free jar and is perfect for keeping in your purse, diaper bag, or medicine kit. It is for use on small cuts, pregnant bellies, skin conditions like psoriasis, and kids and babies' skin...or as a healing balm for sensitive hands. I know MY hands get dry and cracked in cold temps--and this is what I will be using on them this season!!<br />
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I also took this product for a test run on an area of my leg that was burned two weeks before this arrived. My dog ran past me while on her tie-out, and the cable rubbed my leg in a straight line and burned the top layer of skin off (maybe two layers). I did not get my essential oils on it soon enough, so it took a while to heal AND left a scar. <b>I have been applying this healing balm twice a day on the scarred area, and it has noticeably diminished! </b> I'm so thrilled!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOfGR5lF_c-BYFFXpUnQFaT6sDT2FXZrbKUYPoDPxCKaqwJD1grALAgUvFk_LFLZ7yS9005T3CmP2pzBWhiIIde1EERG0xHCtwKqdHLyD-51c6XrH2Uowxk0mZF0EwvD-X2IPMlHLwuc/s1600/Organic+Hand+Sanitizer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOfGR5lF_c-BYFFXpUnQFaT6sDT2FXZrbKUYPoDPxCKaqwJD1grALAgUvFk_LFLZ7yS9005T3CmP2pzBWhiIIde1EERG0xHCtwKqdHLyD-51c6XrH2Uowxk0mZF0EwvD-X2IPMlHLwuc/s1600/Organic+Hand+Sanitizer.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Now....for my favorite product!! The Organic Hand Sanitizer is a MUST-HAVE!!</b> I can't tell what about this product I like best--the sanitizing properties, the smell, or the cool blue glass bottle it comes in! It smells DIVINE, especially at this time of year, with cinnamon, clove, lemon, eucalyptus, and rosemary as its smell-good ingredients! <br />
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<b>It is so convenient to have a spray bottle for spritzing on hands or surfaces when you need to kill the germs! </b> My children ask for it all the time, and I feel so safe knowing that they can use it.<br />
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I stopped buying hand sanitizer with alcohol in it because my daughter spent a few hours in the emergency room at age three when she tasted some of the hand sanitizer in our bathroom. It was only a taste, but they did a blood-alcohol test to be sure she did not ingest too much. (Here's hoping that it's the only blood-alcohol test she EVER needs!) Since that night, I have not purchased hand sanitizer, for safety reasons. <b>But Mothering Herbs Organic Hand Sanitizer is a keeper!</b> I will be buying more of this in the future for sure!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3XPsL1DV9AYsaWtYTf0X2A9N_jaZfD8cME1DaePzsQ2X7F0_2jba_frOJm-S2Zpr87g61TMzY1KllAelxf3N1Pm8HfBmPdPmrY4KXExQMikH4U52JtIWP7qwP_GywIe0OdK2LbZuXmE/s1600/Assortment+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3XPsL1DV9AYsaWtYTf0X2A9N_jaZfD8cME1DaePzsQ2X7F0_2jba_frOJm-S2Zpr87g61TMzY1KllAelxf3N1Pm8HfBmPdPmrY4KXExQMikH4U52JtIWP7qwP_GywIe0OdK2LbZuXmE/s1600/Assortment+Pic.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I do hope you will stop by<b> <a href="http://www.motheringherbs.com/" target="_blank">Mothering Herbs website</a> </b>and take a look around! There are some wonderful gift ideas for new and expectant moms you know....or get something for yourself! <br />
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You can also find Mothering Herbs on Facebook <b><span style="color: #ea9999;"><a href="http://www.motheringherbs.com/" target="_blank">here</a></span></b>!<br />
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<b>Mothering Herbs has been so wonderful to offer these products for me to try, and they are offering one of you a giveaway! </b> The winner will receive their choice of the Herbal Healing Balm OR the Organic Hand Sanitizer!<br />
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To enter, leave a comment in the field below! Tell me which of these products you think would be beneficial to you and your family! Then, you can hop over to <b><span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://www.motheringherbs.com/" target="_blank">Mothering Herbs' Facebook page</a></span></b> and LIKE their page on Facebook for future information about these wonderful products!<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">***These products were given to me at no cost to me, in exchange for an honest review. The opinions are my own after having used the products personally. My compensation is only that I get to keep the products I have tried.***</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">UPDATE: Congrats to Laurie for winning the giveaway! Laurie has chosen to try the Organic Hand Sanitizer from Mothering Herbs! You are going to love it, Laurie!</span></span></b> </span></span>
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