Posted By Nancy

My brother Mark finally got to go home today! YEAH

He had the exploratory surgery, where they run the little camera inside to see where the problem is, this morning. They found two ulcers but they have finally quit bleeding. I guess he will still be taking it easy for a while but he is glad to be home! He was going stir crazy in that hospital! LOL

Well just got back home from attending my aunts memorial service. It was hard seeing the faces of my cousins and knowing what they are going through because I just went through the same thing with Daddy just six weeks ago. So sad, alot has been happening to my family in these last 6 weeks, but we are all strong and we all have faith in the Lord above, so we will make it through.

Thanks for keeping us in your prayers, IT WORKED!  God is Great!

To live your life with confidence, let Heaven rule.

Nancy

Posted By Penny Raine & family

The sound of rushing water. After last years drought I wondered if I was ever going to hear it again. But for the last 3 days our lake has been overflowing. No panic, it is a good thing. It is more the size of a farm pond, but it has fresh water flowing in from a spring so that technically makes it s lake. Last year it was dry, you could walk across it without getting your feet wet and there were dead catfish everywhere. not pretty. Last year, we had to choose between watering the livestock or watering the garden. We chose dead tomatoes instead of dead horses. Last year we had to wash our clothes elsewhere and haul drinking water from somewhere else.

So the sound of gushing water coming through the lake overflow is sure a welcome sound. The sight of weeds in my yard are a welcome sight. The soggy side yard from overflowing springs is more than welcome. And even mud tracked in the house isn’t so bad. At least there is water to mop with.  

Posted By Penny Raine & family

  

in keeping with Crystal Paine’s theme of Making your Home a Haven on Mondays, I thought I would share my favorite budget makeover tip for old houses. Paint! Yep. For as long as we have been married (22 years in May) we have bought older houses. I like them, they have charm and I can do things my way. For several years we actually had a remodeling business that was born out of our need to learn HOW to remodel! Now I love older houses and I am very patient about fixing up getting done as the money comes in, but I have one pet-peeve. Things don’t have to be fancy but they do have to be cleanable! Our current house is a beautiful old farm house that was built in 1860. Beautiful if you have vision. We got a good deal on it because everybody shied away from it’s major problem area, the floors. There are lots of springs near the house and the dampness caused the floors to finally weaken. But hey, if it took this long, and we fix them they ought to outlast us. So we proceed, one room at at time, there are three main big rooms that needed fixin, one we did quick and temporary right when we moved in. Otherwise everyone would have been walking like a drunk sailor in there. The living room we completely tore up, replaced the joists and put new flooring on, but actually it was old hardwood that we took out of another building, looks great. But onto the kitchen, it needs work, not as much and probably not new floor joists but it does need help. Jim’s dream which is very realistic is to tear down a barn and use that wonderful old oak wood to plane down and make flooring out of it. But in the meantime my old ratty wood floor in the kitchen needs to be cleanable. So I went to the hardware store and got some good old fashioned oil based porch and floor paint, in a brick red color, only $13.99 a gallon. And, you guessed it, painted the kitchen floor! It works beautifully, lasts about 2 years even with lots of traffic and sweeps as well as vinyl, but with lots more character and a lot cheaper. I have heard you can even paint vinyl floors, although I have never tried. So when we had a bridal shower here recently, we repainted the kitchen floor, painted the main bathroom and touched up the trim anywhere needed (always keep a gal of gloss white latex on hand) and everything looked really really nice. You would never guess we have a fixxer upper only half done so far!

Posted By Penny Raine & family

Well we traded our Jersey heifer yesterday. Dear Dandy just would NOT stay in the fence. She had been out so many times I thought for sure her and the neighbors accompanying escapee bull had had a rendevouz at least once. But spring arrived and her behaviour proved she was not with calf. Which meant she needed to be bred and it would be at least 9 more months without milk. Our last milk cow died of old age last fall. It has been a long milkless 6 months. So anyway last time dear Dandy got out of the fence and was standing in the middle of the road I told her I was sorry but she had to go. She got traded yesterday for a 2 yr old Holstein. I really don’t like Holsteins nearly as much as Jerseys and there won’t be as much butter, but hey, ya gotta do what ya gotta do. Holsteins give more milk so at least we will be flowing in the land of milk and more milk. For anyone who lives in the country I will tell you a family milk cow is one of the best investments we have ever made. She feeds us, and many of the animals on our farm. Worth her weight in gold. All for some grass and less than $10 a week in grain. And we should be getting at least 6-7 gallons a day, even from this young gal. Lots more as she grows up. This one was bred too young and is on the small side which is why we ended up with her rather than the production dairy she came from. Jerseys are worth more so they got the better deal but at least we got milk again .  

Posted By Ponder the Path

Wow, I didn't realize how long it has been since I have written anything!  I have checked in every now and then just to see how everyone was doing.  I just couldn't bring myself to share anything.  The last few months I have really been trying to focus on my role as wife and mother and I guess just healing (both physically, emotionally and spiritually).  I am amazed at how closely they are all tied together.  When you are physically broken, you feel emotionally drained and yet it is so difficult to seek God consistently.  It really made me realize how much more we should pray for and lift up those with physical impediments.  We sometimes don't see the spiritual battle going on during times of illness. 

I was just reading some info on the Samaritan Ministry.  It is a type of healthcare where each person sends their monthly "payment" in to a family in medical need.  They are also asked to send a card and pray for the family.  What a huge blessing this is compared to our traditional medical insurance! 

I do have a huge praise.  God has blessed my womb again and I am now almost 12 weeks along.  Praise be to the God that brings joy in the morning!

Well, I hope to get back to writing a little more often.  I guess I should also get back to doing activities that would be interesting enough to write about : )

Blessings to you all!

Posted By Penny Raine & family

first I am going to change the snow to rain, then I am going to change the header picture, and then I am going to add posts from my series, "life in the country". Are ya ready?

Posted By Mama

Hello one and  all!

Long time agian!   I am feeling stalled. Where to pick up with all the messes?   The garden is behind, my goats are still in the chicken house, no work done on their barn stalls or pastures. I can't do much alone and Dh is not much inclined to help.  He tries but his heart isn't in it.  I can't afford to pay someone to do it so I am praying for God's direction and grace in getting all these things done.  My goats have pretty much cleaned out the pasture in my chicken area and I have no easy way to move them either out money to but an easy set of portable fencing to use.  We are going to pick up goat number 7 tonight and they need more room.  I pray this one doesn't get scours from the stress of moving like some of the others did.  

The garden is a absolute necessity so I guess that I will start there and try to work on the barn too.

The house is a total diaster and my very particular mil is coming memorial day weekend and maybe even her very much more particular mother will come with her.

Yike!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That always fries my nerves and I so much hate everything in this state!   Lord give me strnght to carry on!

We are doing well except for time mangement.  Ia m trying to do more focused things with the kids school lessons too along with all this! 

Does anyone else feel this way?

Enjoy the Day the Lord hath made!

In his service,

Mama

Posted By Ye Olde Scarecrow

Two elderly gentlemen from a retirement center were sitting on a bench under a tree when one turns to the other and says: 'Slim, I'm 83 years old now and I'm just full of aches and pains. I know you're about my age. How do you feel?'
Slim says, 'I feel just like a newborn baby.'
'Really!? Like a newborn baby!?'
'Yep. No hair, no teeth, and I think I just wet myself.'

*****

Hospital regulations require a wheel chair for patients being discharged. However, a student nurse found one elderly gentleman already dressed and sitting on the bed with a suitcase at his feet, who insisted he! Didn't need her help to leave the hospital.
After a chat about rules being rules, he reluctantly let the nurse wheel him to the elevator.
On the way down she asked him if his wife was meeting him.
'I don't know,' he said. 'She's still upstairs in the bathroom changing out of her hospital gown.'

*****

Couple in their nineties are both having problems remembering things. During a checkup, the doctor tells them that they're physically okay, but they might want to start writing things down to help them remember.
Later that night, while watching TV, the old man gets up from his chair. 'Want anything while I'm in the kitchen?' he asks.
'Will you get me a bowl of ice cream?'
'Sure.'
'Don't you think you should write it down so you can remember it?' she asks.
'No, I can remember it.'
'Well, I'd like some strawberries on top, too. Maybe you should write it down, so's not to forget it?'
He says, 'I can remember that. You want a bowl of ice cream with strawberries.'
'I'd also like whipped cream. I'm certain you'll forget that, write it down?' she asks..
Irritated, he says, 'I don't need to write it down, I can remember it! Ice cream with strawberries and whipped cream - I got it, for goodness sake!'
Then he toddles into the kitchen. After about 20 minutes,
The old man returns from the kitchen and hands his wife a plate of bacon and eggs. She stares at the plate for a moment.
'Where's my toast ?'

*****

A senior citizen said to his eighty-year old buddy:
'So I hear you're getting married?'
'Yep!'
'Do I know her?'
'Nope!'
'This woman, is she good looking?'
'Not really.'
'Is she a good cook?'
'Naw, she can't cook too well.'
'Does she have lots of money?'
'Nope! Poor as a church mouse.'
'Well, then, is she a good lover?'
'I don't know.'
'Why in the world do you want to marry her then?'
'Because she can still drive!'

*****

Morris, an 82 year-old man, went to the doctor to get a physical.
A few days later, the doctor saw Morris walking down the street with a gorgeous middle-aged woman on his arm.
A couple of days later, the doctor spoke to Morris and said, 'You're really doing great, aren't you?'
Morris replied, 'Just doing what you said, Doc: 'Get a hot mamma and be cheerful.''
The doctor said, 'I didn't say that. I said, 'You've got a heart murmur; be careful.' 

*****

Posted By Sara in Daily Thoughts

I haven't been posting a whole lot as of late, because we are just so busy it seems. And when we're not so busy, I'm so tired.

My kids have all been taking turns feeling sick or keeping me extra busy. About 2 weeks ago, my oldest and youngest had strep throat. Then I've spent the last week or so potty training my little one. That in itself takes about half my time, although now that she's getting the hang of it, she's starting to be able to do it on her own. And she didn't have any night time accidents last night! Yay! Today, my middle daughter is home from school with what seems like a urinary tract infection. So we're drinking extra water and she seems to already be feeling better. Also, public schools are going to be done next week, and so we're getting all the end of the year stuff done, and then I will have all three of my children at home with me to homeschool! I am so thrilled!

We're also just getting through our biggest birthday season. My girls both had their birthdays within the last month, plus my brother, step brother, and brother in law all had birthdays one right after another. And then this week was my nieces birthday.

Mother's day was such a blessing to me! My husband and kids all made lunch and we went and ate at the park and just enjoyed time together.

On the housing front, we went and took my dad to look at the prospective house and he thinks it's a nice house, but found a few things needing repair. There's evidence of a leaky spot in the den, which would need immediate attention(unless it's an old spot), and we couldn't find an outdoor cleanout for the plumbing. Other than that it's a lot of cosmetic things, floors needing some repair, windows that are cracked or broken, stuff like that. We had a good rain the last couple of days and dad wants me to go look and see how bad the leak is, and depending on that will depend what our offer will be. But the good news is that we will definately be making an offer. If the roof is leaking horribly, then we're going to offer about 10,000 less than what they're asking and see what kind of counter offer they make. The realtor told us the seller is desperate to get out from under it, because they've already bought another house and are having to make 2 payments. So we're praying that we can be in this house by sometime this summer. I honestly don't remember how long the homebuying process takes, but I know it at least takes a month to two months. I know we'll definately be in there by the time this little one makes it's arrival.

And speaking of this little one...On Sunday I will be 11 weeks. I still have yet to make my first midwife appointment. I'm really not in any hurry. With my other little ones I've always seen the doctor by the time I was 8 weeks, but I guess after 3 healthy pregnancies, I feel no rush to get in there, although I would love to hear the baby's heartbeat. I'm also still contemplating which doctor/midwife I will see. I had my mind set on a midwife that's about 40 miles north of us. It would mean a drive once a month and more often as the time drew near, but it would also mean the birth that I've always wanted. Then there's the doctors here in town, but I would have to sacrifice on what I want. But then I got to thinking about gas, and the chances that I could go into labor during an ice or snow storm during December. I'm still not sure what I want to do. I'll just keep praying for now and see what the Lord would have me do.

Well, that's enough of an update for now. We've been having wonderful weather and have only had the a/c on twice for just a couple hours. I'll update again when I have more to share.

Blessings, sara

Posted By Flossie in Devotions

by Lysa TerKeurst 

 “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

I Peter 3:15 (NIV)         

Devotion:

Do you know anyone who is trying out the latest New Age teachings entitled “A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle?  Beware.  This teaching stands in stark contrast to the truths of the Bible.  As Christians it is vitally important for us to be grounded in truth so we don't inadvertently get swept up in the lies, and so that we can talk intelligently to those who are trying this stuff out.

The most dangerous theme I've discovered in this book so far is this notion that you don't have to weigh your current religious beliefs against this new age awakening. Let’s look at what it teaches.

 The Lie:  Tolle teaches you can keep all your current religious beliefs but this will help you put them into proper perspective. Those elementary ideas are a step toward spiritual progress. But if you want real success in your spirituality's effectiveness, you have to make a leap into "true enlightenment.”

In true enlightenment you will discover that "the light of consciousness is all that is necessary" for a more fulfilling existence.  Therefore, if Buddha works for you - great. If Hinduism works for you - great. If Jesus works for you - great. Tolle believes all these different avenues simply lead you to that first step toward awakening your consciousness.

According to Tolle, Jesus is basic. He was the light of your basic beliefs. But ultimately you, yourself, are the way... the truth and the life. No one comes to spiritual awakening but by reaching inside themselves and leaping to a higher consciousness of being.

 The Truth:  In John 14:6 Jesus gives us the truth which clearly refutes the notion that one can get to God through many avenues, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”

 The Lie: Throughout the book, Tolle walks right beside Christian beliefs and uses just enough Christian lingo to make his writing appear, especially to the ungrounded Christian, truthful. For example, look at how he talks about sin:

"Sin means to miss the mark, as an archer who misses the target"... Yes! yes! I've heard this preached about at my church, a person might excitedly think. But wait, look at how he finishes this sentence:

"Sin means to miss the mark, as an archer who misses the target, so to sin means to miss the point of human existence."

 In other words, this book has been promoted as the guide by which you can find your purpose, therefore not missing the point of your existence. So, if you ascribe to this teaching and find the point of your existence, then you will not be a sinner. 

Dictionary.com has not caught up to this new definition of sin. It still defines sin this way:

1. transgression of divine law: the sin of Adam.
2. any act regarded as such a transgression, esp. a willful or deliberate violation of some religious or moral principle.

The Truth: A person who doesn’t consider themselves a sinner, is in no need of a Savior.  Do you see the slippery slope here?

 Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

The truth is sin is that which separates us from God. But God has made a way for us to be forgiven of our sin through Jesus Christ... the one and only WAY.

Tolle's book is so popular right now because people want to find their way - they want to live a life that matters. They want to feel like they have a handle on their spirituality.  The problem is “A New Earth” is false teaching that will not stand the test of time. It will fall apart at the seams when life strains against it, and quite honestly, Tolle paves a quick road to eternal separation from God.
                                                                                                                                                                          

Dear Lord, open my eyes to your truth. You say if we ask for wisdom then you will give it to us.  Lord, I ask for Your wisdom and discernment to know the truth, so that I can stand firmly upon it.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

 P31 Woman magazine

 Visit Lysa TerKeurst’s blog

 Application Steps: 

Is there anyone in my sphere of influence that I need to discuss this message with? Along with your personal testimony, this could create a wonderful opportunity for you to share God’s truth.

 Reflections: 

Am I committed to studying truth on a daily basis?

Do I know what I believe and why?

 Power Verses:

I Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord…” (NIV) 

 Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”  (NIV)

© 2008 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

REprinted with permission by:  Proverbs 31 Ministries

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