Decisions

Decisions. Some people thrive on the opportunity to choose new things, explore new paths, try what they have not done before. Other people prefer the known. They are happy with the routine, and find comfort and safety in it. I, personally, am the latter. I hate having to make new decisions, not knowing which way to choose. Change is scary to me, not invigorating. Change can be very good. But to my personality, it's very stressful, just making the decision. Even if either option is a good one.

I have a decision I need to make over this weekend. This is the verse I am claiming. I really think it was written for me. Really. I think my name is right there. . .

"I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them." Isaiah 42:16

Dear Lord--Guide me. Because I have absolutely no idea which I should choose. I am blind, but I know that You see.

The Bible in 90 Days--done by a 10 year old!

Hi Everyone!

Guess what I heard about this morning? A 10 year old boy who completed this last "Bible in 90 Days" session! Isn't that awesome? And--he is dyslexic just to top things off. Amazing. What a beautiful thing for his mom to have encouraged him to do. What awesome blessings this child has in his life from now on--he knows that he CAN read the Word of God. The WHOLE Word of God. And he is now a beautiful, walking witness to everyone he comes in contact with or who even just hear of his story and accomplishment.

It was his mom's idea, not his. He rather thought his mom had lost her marbles (it's helps if you are a mom to just let your marbles go anyway--at least in my experience!). His mom purchased the audio Bible readings so he could listen while he sat and read, which would help him avoid skipping hard words or boring parts. The whole reading time takes around an hour a day, and they broke it up into 30 minutes listening/reading in the morning and another 30 minutes listening/reading in the afternoon. This is not more than most kids today spend watching T.V. programs or surfing the internet.

And he did it! Praise the Lord, this child finished his readings right on time on October 8, 2011. I am so proud of him! Here is a link to a short two minute video his mom made about his accomplishment: http://www.littlehouseinthebigweeds.com/2011/struggling-readers-you-can-read-the-bible-in-90-days/#comment-3118

So remember--if RJ can do it, you can too!

Faithfulness and Contentment

As I have mentioned before, I am currently reading through the book "Education" by Mrs. E.G.White as I look for gems to help me in my own homeschooling. A few days ago, I ran across something I had never read before. It is in a section on "Nature Teaching," and it really struck me with it's truth. Here is the passage I was reading:

"The wide, deep river, that offers a highway for the traffic and travel of nations, is valued as a world-wide benefit; but what of the little rills that help to form this noble stream? Were it not for them, the river would disappear. Upon them its very existence depends. So men called to lead in some great work are honored as if its success were due to them alone; but that success required the faithful co-operation of humbler workers almost without number--workers of whom the world knows nothing. Tasks uncommended, labor without recognition, is the lot of most of the world's toilers. And in such a lot many are filled with discontent. They feel that life is wasted. But the little rill that makes its noiseless way through grove and meadow, bearing health and fertility and beauty, is as useful in its way as the broad river. And in contributing to the river's life, it helps achieve that which alone it could never have accomplished.

"The lesson is one needed by many. Talent is too much idolized, and station too much coveted. There are too many who will do nothing unless they are recognized as leaders; too many who must receive praise, or they have no interest to labor. What we need to learn is faithfulness in making the utmost use of the powers and opportunities we have, and contentment in the lot to which Heaven assigns us." Education p. 116,117

Wow. As I read this, I couldn't help but wonder "Is this me?" Am I discontented with the lot that Heaven has assigned to me? As a home school mom, I don't suspect I will ever be in the limelight. Most likely, I will never be publishing my own curriculum or traveling around and giving seminars--so I will probably not even rise to the top in the home school circle. But--if I am being faithful in the job that God has given me, and being content with what He has called me to do--that is enough. Others may never know my name--but if God knows it, that is true success.

Dear Father--

Create in me today a new heart. Grant me faithfulness to the duty and work You have given me. Help me to keep my eyes on my own path, looking at the work You have asked me to do and not looking at what You may have given to others to do. May I always remember that whatever You have asked me to do, You have also given me what I need to accomplish it.

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UPDATE: Just in case anyone is wondering. . . I looked up the word "rill" from the above quote, and it means a small trickle or stream feeding into a larger river. That's what I was assuming it ment, but had never heard that term before. Learn something new every day! :)

Before the need--there was God

"Before sin created the need, God had provided the remedy. Every soul that yields to temptation is wounded, bruised, by the adversary; but wherever there is sin, there is the Saviour. " Education by E.G.White p. 113

Isn't this a beautiful statement? I just love thinking about it. Before the need--there was God. He had already provided a way of escape for us. He knew He would let His one and only Son take our place on the cross. So that if we chose to, we could accept the gift of eternal life and live with Him in heaven forever. But He won't force us. He offers, but we have to accept. Why would we turn Him down? Pride? Watch certain shows on T.V. and you will soon realize that people have no pride when it comes to the possibility of winning money. They will do just about anything if they think they have a chance of winning. How foolish of us not to accept an eternal prize--something that does not rust away or lose it's value.

Since I finished the "Bible in 90 Days" program on October 8, I have been sick so have not really gotten myself into a new program for Bible study yet. But I have started reading through the book "Education" by E.G. White, which of course is where the above quote is from. I am enjoying the book very much, and as a homeschool mom I am very interested in studying the teaching methods that Jesus used, so I can use those same methods with my own children. If you have never read this book before, I highly recommend it. And if you have read it, as I did years ago, you may find a real blessing in reading it again. It is available free on-line, http://www.whiteestate.org/books/ed/ed.asp and also as an app you can download http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/egw-free/id374790551?mt=8.

Have a beautiful day. And as you go through it, consider what a beautiful Saviour we have.

The Bible in 90 Days--Day 89--It is Finished!

Hi Everyone!

Well, it is finished. My beautiful time reading the Bible through in 90 days is all over. Actually, I finished yesterday morning, as I never ended up using either of the two "grace" days that are built into the program. This was my second time doing this program, and as I finished yesterday I just sat at my desk in stunned silence. I couldn't believe I was done. I couldn't wrap my brain around how much Jesus loves me. The whole plan of redemption is so overwhelming wonderful, and you really gather a different picture of the whole thing when you are reading through at a faster pace rather than one Bible verse each day stuck on top of a devotional story. Nothing wrong with devotional books, of course--just that you haven't REALLY read the Bible until you READ it. And once you do, you will never be the same again.

This time through the Bible, I used a highlighter to mark verses that stood out to me as I read along. The first time I did this program I tried to just jot down notable verses on a piece of paper--that did NOT work for me! Too many verses to write down, and I could easily double my reading time if I really stopped to write everything down that I wanted to. But I was raised in an era of NOT marking in books at ALL, so it is sometimes hard for me to overcome that mentality. Anyway, THIS time I read with my trusty Bible marking pencil, and just underlined anything that caught my eye (o.k., so I still cannot bring myself to underline UNLESS I am using a ruler so my lines will be straight--but that works too!). I was SO blessed that I did this. And now I have a beautiful Bible marked with precious promises. Almost any page I open to, there is a special verse there for me. Priceless. I now wouldn't trade this Bible for ANYTHING. It is not in "perfect" condition any more, because it has been dragged around and even had food dropped on it as I read while I ate breakfast. But the "dirtier" my Bible became, the "cleaner" my heart was washed. :)

Now what will I do? For awhile, I will take a small breather and enjoy reading some smaller Bible passages at a slower pace. Enjoy being able to look up words and study further. But after a while, I think I have no choice. I will take down my Bible and open it to Genesis 1:1. And not stop until Revelation 22:21.

Jesus says "Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book." Rev. 22:7 How can I keep the words in the Bible if I am not reading it to have them fresh in my mind? The Bible also tells me "The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let him who hears say, 'Come!' Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life." Rev. 22:17 I don't know about you, but I am thirsty. And I want to accept the free gift of life.

Come, read with me. You can find more information at www.Biblein90days.org, and www.momstoolbox.com. You will never regret it.

The Spider and the Fly

Hi Everyone!

I was pretty excited today to discover the entire poem of "The Spider and the Fly" by Mary Howitt. I have often quoted a portion of this to my son as he grew up, and when I read the whole poem to him today he said "I thought that was just something YOU had made up!" Anyway, fiction though the poem may be, there is a LOT of wisdom in these passages. We must be so careful of whom we are listening to, where we are drawing our value and self worth from. Remember that we were bought with a price--the precious blood of Jesus. Who can put a value on that?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Spider and the Fly

"Will you walk into my parlour?"
Said the spider to the fly;
"'Tis the prettiest little parlour
That ever you did spy.
The way into my parlour
Is up a winding stair;
And I have many curious things
To show you when you're there."
"Oh, no, no," said the little fly;
"To ask me is in vain;
For who goes up your winding stair
Can ne'er come down again."

I'm sure you must be weary, dear,
With soaring up so high;
Will you rest upon my little bed?"
Said the spider to the fly.
"There are pretty curtains all around,
The sheets are fine and thin,
And if you want to rest awhile,
I'll snugly tuck you in!"
"Oh, no, no," said the little fly;
"For I've often heard it said,
They never, never wake again
Who sleep upon your bed!"

Said the cunning spider to the fly,-
"Dear friend, what can I do
To prove the warm affection
I've always felt for you?
I have within my pantry
Good store of all that's nice;
I'm sure you're very welcome-
Will you please to take a slice?"
"Oh, no, no," said the little fly,
"Kind sir, that cannot be;
I've heard what's in your pantry,
And I do not wish to see!"

"Sweet creature!" said the spider,
"Your're witty and you're wise;
How handsome are your gauzy wings,
How brilliant are your eyes!
I have a little looking-glass
Upon my parlour shelf;
If you'll step in one moment, dear,
You shall behold yourself."
"I thank you, gentle sir," she said,
"For what you're pleased to say,
And, bidding you good-morning now,
I'll call another day."



The spider turned him round about,
And went into his den,
For well he knew the silly fly
Would soon come back again.
So he wove a subtle web
In a little corner sly,
And set his table ready
To dine upon the fly.

Then he came out to his door again,
And merrily did sing,
"Come hither, hither, pretty fly,
With the pearl and silver wing;
Your robes are green and purple,
There's a crest upon your head;
Your eyes are like the diamond bright,
But mine are dull as lead!"

Alas! alas! how very soon
This silly little fly,
Hearing his wily, flattering words,
Came slowly flitting by!
With buzzing wings she hung aloft,
Then near and nearer drew,
Thinking only of her brilliant eyes,
And green and purple hue-

Thinking only of her crested head-
Poor foolish thing! At last
Up jumped the cunning spider,
And fiercely held her fast.
He dragged her up his winding stair,
Into his dismal den:
Within his little parlour,-
But she ne'er came out again!

And now, dear little children
Who may this story read,
To idle, silly, flattering words,
I pray you ne'er give heed;
Unto an evil counsellor
Close heart and ear and eye,
And take a lesson from this tale
Of the Spider and the Fly.

--Mary Howitt

The Bible in 90 Days--Day 85!

I can't believe we are here already. In the Bible in 90 Days reading schedule, I will finish in three short more days. Since I have not used either of my two "grace" days, I will actually finish in 88 days instead of 90.

It has been a beautiful journey. This has been my second time completing this program, and this time I had a group of wonderful ladies from a home school list that I am on who took up the challenge and read with me. I so appreciated their prayers for our group, as well as their insights on what that day's reading was over.

Just thought I would share a couple of beautiful gems from today's reading. We finished going through Hebrews, and started James. So many encouraging words--recorded for me. Recorded for you.

Here is one that spoke to me: "But encourage one another daily. . . " Hebrews 3:13 Isn't that exactly what we should be doing? But so often instead we tear each other down. Just to try and make ourselves appear better.

And I liked this one: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts. . . " Hebrews 3:15 God is calling to me TODAY. He is calling to YOU today. This is the time to listen to Him. To turn to Him. To follow Him. To obey Him. Tomorrow may be too late. Today is the day.

And THIS is beautiful: "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16 Do you get what this verse is saying? We are encouraged to approach the throne of the Creator of the Universe with CONFIDENCE. Not with fear that we will be turned away. With confidence, and we WILL receive mercy and grace--exactly what we need in our time of need.

Here is a promise that I treasure: "I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds. . . Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more." Hebrews 10:16,17 I want this. I want God's law in my heart. I want it written in my mind. And I desperately want Him to remember my sins no more.

My last gem to share is perhaps the very best one of all. Hebrews chapter 11--known as the "Faith Chapter." It starts out with this definition of faith "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." And then it goes on and starts listing all the many people in the Bible who showed great faith. "By faith Abel. . . By faith Enoch. . . By faith Noah. . . By faith Abraham. . . By faith Isaac. . . By faith Joseph. . . " It even includes "By faith the prostitute Rahab. . . " Do you know what I want? As I read this chapter I felt almost an overwhelming urge to pick up my pen and write in the margin of my Bible one last verse--"By faith Susan. . . " I want to be there. I want God's law in my heart and on my mind. I want my sins to be remembered no more.

I want God.

And the most wonderful thing, is that God wants me too.