Letter from Mt. Airy Mom to me......

Posted on Friday, March 19, 2010 at 08:03 by Stella - 1 Comments - Post Comment - Link

Sharon Straughan MtAiryMom ::: Old Oak Swing, The (http://www.homesteadblogger.com/MtAiryMom/)

Posted on Friday, March 19, 2010 at 07:05 by Stella - Link

FRIENDS: I blogged something just for you......

Posted on Friday, March 19, 2010 at 06:54 by Stella - Link

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood.....a beautiful day in the neighborhood.....

Posted on Thursday, March 18, 2010 at 02:51 by Gabbie - 1 Comments - Post Comment - Link

I woke up to birds chirping outside my window.....a cool crisp air.......a little boy laughing......a hubby's kiss......oh what a wonderful day!  LOL    Ok, so I wanted to sleep in (but Noah had school), but most of the rest is true!!!  While I was running errands I had the window down from some fresh air and I have enjoyed the sun today as well!!!!!

Noah quickly got ready for school today because I spent an extra 10 minutes in bed trying to wipe the sleep from my eyes....and when he was gone on the bus, I went to WAL-MART!!!  Wally World and I have a love/hate relationship.  I love going there......and spending money.......but I hate going there....and spending money!!!  LMSO  I ended up finding a few winter shirts for Noah for next winter on clearance for $5 each and then found a pair of shorts and polo shirt he can wear for pics tomorrow.

Noah is having Easter pics taken tomorrow.  It is cheaper to have them taken now when they are running a special than to wait until his birthday in April to have his 4 year old pics taken, so I am taken advantage!  LMSO   He better smile is all I am going to say!!!

Noah's bus was LATE today coming home.  I was wondering if they were every going to bring my boy home.  LMSO  I called the school and they had some bus problems and were running late.  When they got here, the bus driver said it was their 3 bus of the day!!  UGH!!!  And since they have 19 kids in kids carseats, that means they moved carseats and had to rebuckle, etc. 3 times today! UGH!

Friday, Matthew is talking to our tax lady.  I already have the paperwork all ready for her, except his receipts and such on HIS business.  So the rest is up to him and her.  I am praying for BIG MONEY< NO WHAMMYS!!!  LMSO  I already have alot of the money allocated for one thing or another, so I am hoping it comes in quickly so I can pay off some bills.  I think by the end of summer, or at least by the end of the year for absolutely sure, we should be debt free again except for the mortgage.  Then we will start putting our extra money into paying off the mortage again!!!  YEAH!

This weekend, I am having coffee (ok I dont' drink coffee, so I will have chai! LMSO) with the girls at the coffee shop.  I don't get to make it often, but when I found out my girlfriend from California is going to be there, I put it on the calendar and told Matthew I needed to go and he was in charge of Noah!!!  LMSO

Well all, I hope you have a fabulous day!!!

Gossips........

Posted on Thursday, March 18, 2010 at 06:29 by Stella - 1 Comments - Post Comment - Link

In the scripture above, the Apostle Paul paints a grim picture of reprobates -- those who have rejected the Lord and have embraced a lifestyle of sin. He makes it clear that God condemns such evil behavior. “They persist in doing these things, knowing that those who do such things deserve death” (Rom 1:32).

As Paul described this evil conduct, we might expect to find mention of such vile things as greed, deceit, adultery, murder and so forth. But please take note of the other inclusions -- especially the mention of “gossip and slander.” Does this come as a surprise? Paul said that gossips and bad-mouthers were in the same league as murderers, sexual perverts, and God haters -- and that such sins were worthy of a death sentence!

“Slander” is a word that has an interesting origin. It comes from the word “Devil.” According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, slander means “malicious talk; to spread damaging information; to defame; to speak ill of.” Is it no wonder where slander derives it’s name? Slander is the work of the Devil, and those who slander are on his team. In fact the Bible says that Satan is called the “accuser of the brethren” (Rev. 12:10). Are you an accuser of the brethren too? If so, even though it may not be your intention, you are being used an agent of the Devil! According to scripture, any Christian who’s mouth is out of control does not have a right relationship with God. “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight reign on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless” (James 1:26).

“Gossip” is derived from the idea of “whispering.” According to the same dictionary, “gossip” means “To indulge in idle talk or rumors about others; spreading of sensational stories.” Funk and Wagnals dictionary defines it as “Idle, or malicious talk about others.” As we can see, gossip is a close cousin to slander, and God’s Word places both in the same cupboard as murder and other wickedness -- sins worthy of death.

Let me ask, as a Christian do you occasionally slip up and commit a murder here or there? Or how about theft -- do you occasionally burglarize a home or steal things from the store? You may think this is silly to ask. Of course, a Christian lifestyle doesn’t behave that way. But how about gossip or slander? Do you engage in idle talk or rumors about others? Do you participate in bad-mouthing or spreading rumors about others? According to the Bible, which sin is less severe? Murder or gossip? I’m sure you get the message. Paul said, BOTH are sins equally worthy of death.

The Apostle Peter, also used murder as a comparison with another, sometimes under-rated sin. “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters” (1 Peter 4:15). Notice that a “busybody” is placed in the same company as “murderers, thieves, and evildoers.” The dictionary defines a busybody as “a meddler; a person who seeks confidential information about others; a snoop; a nosy person.”

A busybody is another close relative to gossip -- a person who meddles in the affairs of others. They are like a peeping-tom who snoops and spies. A busybody is the investigator for the gossips and rumormongers, seeking to uncover sensational details and to whisper the latest news. Sometimes busybodies are persons who have too much time on their hands, with nothing better to do than to talk too much. “Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to” (1 Tim. 5:13).

Not Just a Little Bad Habit

By now I’m sure that you realize that anything which is placed in the same category as murder must be a serious sin -- something that should not be taken lightly. But unfortunately, Christians do not usually consider gossip and it’s related activity as sin.

In over two decades of ministry, I’ve encountered scores of Christians who don’t seem to think gossip is wrong -- who are obsessed as busybodies, gossips, and bad-mouthers, and have caused irreparable damage to the body of Christ. I could fill books with the stories of anguish and grief inflicted to hapless victims. “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts” (Prov. 26:22). Mean, vicious accusations and rumors have ripped out the heart and soul of many fellow Christians and leaders, draining them of their love, enthusiasm, and their desire to live for God. It has split churches, created strife, and promoted division and turmoil. “Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down” (Prov. 26:22).

Sadly, some have said that “the Church” is the only army that kills its wounded. Regrettably, this has sometimes been true. Brothers who have needed our love, forgiveness and encouragement have been mutilated by gossip and evil talk. Is it no wonder that gossip is equal to murder? It is nothing less than verbal rape and assassination.

What we must realize is, gossip is more than a little bad habit. Gossip is wicked and sinful -- a seething disease of corruption from the mouth. Gossips use their mouth as a weapon -- a weapon which is always aimed at people to fulfill Satan’s desires to “steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10). “With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor” (Prov. 11:9). Gossip is an enemy to God and everything called holy -- a cancer which spreads a deadly infection to the body of Christ. Not only did Paul place a gossip in the same league with murderers and sexual deviates, but Jesus warned that for those who would offend his little ones, it would be better for them to be bound with a millstone and drowned in the sea (Mark 9:42). Surely, a harsh and horrible punishment awaits those unrepentant gossips who harm followers of Jesus.

How to recognize Gossip

Gossip is one of the most dangerous sins because it is so subtle and ambiguous -- many are unable to recognize it. Be on alert against gossip whenever you hear of “secret information” being circulated, or if you hear anyone else’s name is used in a conversation. Gossip exists whenever persons “talk about others” in less than a favorable way. The root of gossip is negativeness, judgementalism, slander, etc. Avoid associating with people who gossip “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much” (Prov. 20:19). You probably remember the old saying: “If you can’t say something good about others, don’t say anything at all.” Wise advice if you wish to avoid sin.

Gossip often masquerades as “concern” for others. Rumors or gossip will seem more palatable if they first hide behind a pretentious expression of concern. “I hate to say anything about this to you, but I’m ’concerned’ about so and so.” At other times the gossiper will seek you out as their “confidante” to unload their “heavy heart” about their concerns. “I’m very troubled about so and so and I don’t know who else to talk to about it.” In reality, the gossip is not sincerely concerned about solving the problem, only in talking about it -- stirring it up. “A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends” (Prov. 16:28). A gossip thrives on the negative, the controversial, and the sensational. Any person who is genuinely concerned about solving a problem, will go and privately confront the person at the source and express their concern. Or else they should go privately to the pastor so he will do it.

The gossip is like a spider looking for a prey to lure into their trap of gossiping. They may confide to you secrets or their private concerns about other people. Perhaps in consolement, you may express your half-hearted agreement with their concerns, or you may even be enticed to confide your secret concerns to them. Consequently, the gossip will eventually repeat the process with someone else -- but next time, they will add your name as an endorsement of their private “issue,” and will eventually even disclose the secrets you shared to them. And on and on it goes. Worse yet is the gossip who claims 'this is a prayer request' or 'gossips then ends with "praying for them".

There are times when people need to confide their own problems with a friend in the Lord. But avoid revealing anything to a person who gossips -- they can’t be trusted. “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret” (Prov. 11:13).

Things to Remember about Gossip

• Gossip is as sinful as murder and will suffer the same consequences unless there is repentance (Rom. 1:32).
• God holds you accountable to your words (Matt. 12:36-37).
• The person who gossips to you about others, also gossips to others about you.
• Gossip & slander disqualifies persons for spiritual leadership (1 Tim. 3:11, Jas. 3:2).
• Gossip often masks as pretentious concerns for others.
• Gossip often thrives upon secrecy. Where secrecy is removed, gossip is hampered.
• Gossip always contributes to a problem and never to a solution.
• Gossip always distorts and exaggerates, and is never a reliable source of truth.
• Those who gossip & slander are not in right fellowship with God (Rom. 1:28-32).
• Those who gossip rarely get answers to prayer, and often face persistent, unexplainable problems (Psalms 66:18, Prov. 21:23, Prov. 6:12-15).

  What to do about Gossip

• If you have been a gossiper, confess this as sin and ask Christ to forgive you. “Repent” by turning in a new direction and surrendering your tongue to Christ, not to gossip or bad-mouth again (1 John 1:9, 1 Cor. 7:10).
• Keep your nose out of other people’s business.
• If you can’t say something good or encouraging about others, then keep your mouth shut (Eph. 4:29).
• Never criticize another person, except to their own face with an intent to help. Criticism can never be “constructive” if expressed to anyone else.
• If your “friends” start bad-mouthing others to you, stop them in their tracks -- refuse to be a partaker of their sins (1 Tim 5:22).
• Avoid association with persons who gossip (Prov. 20:19).
• Expose works of darkness by reporting gossip to the pastor that he may confront and offer correction. Gossip should be treated as any other vile sin (Eph. 5:11).

“I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence” (Psalms 39:1).

Happy Spring and Happy Traveling

Posted on Thursday, March 18, 2010 at 12:47 by Rebecca - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

It seems that spring is very near !!! I have never been more ready . I guess you could say we have have of all the garden areas completely till and rowed .We plan to plant seeds and plants on Good Friday . Just a good rule around the south to avoid late frost or freezes .

I was looking over my tip book .Since many of you will be spring breaking and traveling this summer .I found some travel tips to share with you .

Give and Take : At the start of the trip give each child a handful of quarters(or roll) . If they ask "How much farther?" or any other tiresome questions , they forfeit a quarter . Let them keep what is left for the trip .

Single Bag : If an overnight stop is on your car trip itinerary ,pack one small bag w/change of cloths and basic toiletries for each family member. Instead of one for each person ,and keep from unpacking the whole trunk.

Windows Closed : Drive with the windows closed .Open windows mess up aerodynamics and cost you more in gas mileage than running the air conditioner. Anything will help to save gas !!!!

I guess that is about it for now . I am having problems with my ears .I guess the sinus infection has settled in my ears . I have had fever since last night . I feel ok but my ears are stopped up . It had all got better for a few days . I have fought a sinus cold for 2 weeks . And now this  with my ears . I was trying to avoid going to the doctor . But , now with the fever I might have to go and get some drugs . This is only the 2nd ear infection that I have ever had in my life . And with that all being said that is why I am up so late . I can't sleep ,because I had felt bad earlier and took a nap . If you will , pray for me to get better .Thanks , Shaune

This is a beautiful Artwork Angel !!!!

Amazing

Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at 06:18 by Stella - 1 Comments - Post Comment - Link

I love ...

Posted on Wed-17-Mar-2010 at 09:21 by Ashley - 1 Comments - Post Comment - Link

... that I've been away from blogging this long. LOL

Snippets ....

.... we bought two dairy goats, Alpines. We now have milk! We have never gone through this much milk before, but we've never had a steady supply before, either!

.... I weaned Eden.

.... we are planting things. It's spring! And time for it!

.... I love staying busy, dropping into bed at night tired from a good day's work. I don't believe work is bad; I do not believe it is part of the "curse" per se. Work may be harder, but I believe we were created to work.

.... I love feeling this growing little one inside me, kicking away. It is such a sweet feeling! I love my children ... even this tiniest one! I so eagerly look forward to holding this child in my arms and nourishing him/her!

.... we are getting about a dozen eggs a day from our hens. All of them still aren't laying yet. I have some straglers!

..... yesterday I made bread, today I plant blackberries and loganberries and maybe grapes ... I love my life! It is so varied, so unique, so full and rich with love and learning .... I am always learning!

.... I love that my children are learning to work with me. Each day it seems, we learn something new. Samuel can help me load the dishwasher. I haven't put the soap in the dispenser in days. ~smile~ They help clean off the table, Samuel even helped me steam mop the floor the other day. He was so proud of himself! I am letting go of perfection. Which is more important? That they learn, or that it is perfect?

.... I can't hardly believe that  Samuel is 4yo. I miss having a 3yo ... it is a unique age! I look forward to having another 3yo in October. Elijah is growing up so fast! Eden is so .... girly. Actually, that wasn't what I was going to say. But she is! She is also obedient, and talking up a storm. She echos me frequently, and I just love it!

.... I miss blogging only distantly. I am learning and growing and living ... I know it sounds so trite; but we only have one life to live. I hope you are making yours an act of worship, something beautiful and poured out and splendid and rich. As my Beloved reminded me yesterday - spend time in worship today!

All the best,

~Ashley~

IT'S PLANTING DAY!!

Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at 07:48 by Stella - 1 Comments - Post Comment - Link

The sun was out yesterday and my boy and I spent 4 hours in the yard starting to get it cleaned up for the Spring / Summer!! OOOOOOO it felt so good to go out and work!!!

Today I start 90% of my seeds. Tomatoes, Peppers, and the like. I am totally looking forward to this growing season!!!
I am praying that moving to raised bed gardening will be a better way to manage the soil and grow healthier, more fruitful plants!!!

OOOOOOOO I do love Spring!!

I heard a HEALTHY SQUIRMY heartbeat today!!!! YEAH!!

Posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 12:18 by Gabbie - 6 Comments - Post Comment - Link

Today I had an OB appointment to hear a heartbeat and hopefully determine due date.  Now if you have read previous posts, you know Doc didn't think I was pregnant.  He didn't believe me after 4 home tests, a bloodtest, and morning sickness.  LMSO  He told me before Christmas I wasn't ovulating and couldn't get pregnant, so he didn't believe me.   Now, God is good ok???? Cause I was able to tell doc.....My God is bigger than your tests!  LOL  He told me he wouldn't believe me till he heard a heartbeat, so today.....when he found it.....he smiled and said...listen to that!!  He told me he was 100% sure I was pregnant!  HE believes me finally!  So of course, me being onery.......I thumbed my nose at him and said, I TOLD YOU DOC!!!  He just laughed and laughed at me.  He said the baby is squirmy and very active already and the heartbeat was nice and strong!  So, I go for a sonogram on April 6th and he will officially tell me my due date.  But for now, it is tentatively October 15th.  We are excited and thrilled of course.