Are you born again? - 08:51, Sunday, June 7, 2009

   " Man's way to reach God is thru religion... God's way to reach us is thru Jesus ".

For years I sought God thru a religious system. I was mistaken.   When Jesus was alive and ministered. He was most often found with the sick, afflicted and wounded. He spent little time with the religious of His day. They didn't like Him and His radical ways.  Jesus was radical. He healed the blind, the leper, and He hung out with tax collectors.  He didn't stone the adulteress, but offered her forgiveness.

I thought I would find Jesus in a church.  Not so.

I found Jesus on my knees one day. Broken and crying out, that is when I found Jesus.

He came and bound my wounds, healed my heart.

He is now my Lord & master.

Do you know Jesus?

Many people in this country and across the world go to church each Sunday. They believe that they are "good" people who are doing good things for God. 

Jesus said:  Unless we are born again we can not enter the kingdom of God.  John 3:3

Have you been born again?

Fact is none of us are 'good enough'.  For the wages of sin are death.

Just because a person attends church each weeks and teaches Sunday school, does not make them 'good.'  For truly our sins can only be washed clean in the blood of Jesus. 1 John 1:7

I believe there are many lost souls in Churches across the world today. People who have been misled to believe that going to church, and church membership is what secures their place in heaven.

I was one of them.  Blinded, thinking my church membership opened the door/gate to heaven.

The Bible does not teach this.

The Bible teaches that Jesus is the gate - He is the way. No man can come thru a membership, but only thru Jesus.

To be Born again has nothing to do with what church we go to.

There are many Christians, but not all Christians have been born again.

There is a difference.

If you want to know more about Jesus, and what He has to offer you. I encourage you to read the book of John. 

If you wish to talk more about what it means to be born again, please feel free to email me and I will pray with you and we can talk more.

God's way to reach us is thru JESUS - not thru a a Church.

Man, as much as they try, can not reach Jesus thru religion.

A few days back I had the chance to share Jesus with a sweet friend of mine. She is an Amish woman who knows a lot about religion, but has come to see that religion does not equate a personal relationship with Jesus.  She is hungry for the Lord. It was precious to share the Lord with her and pray with her.

So many are like my friend. 

Hungry and "religious"... going thru the motions of religious ritual and customs and traditions and yet empty and thirsty.

There is living waters.

There is the bread of life.

There is Jesus.

Ramblings of my heart... - 09:21, Monday, June 1, 2009

   I really do appreciate the many comments left on my blog this past week. Many of you took time to share your own heart's struggles and challenges..... many of you shared your own discouragements and also blessings with living in the country. I so appreciate the time you ladies took to share with me.  Each comment left me thinking and grateful that we have one another as friends here in this little spot on the world wide web, and even though we may not have met in "real life" there is still the ability to reach out across the miles and confines of the computer to touch another human soul.Thank you, ladies, truly.

  I have been pondering much about the whole idea of contentment.  We read about this in the Bible. Paul says he had learned to be content with whatever life presented....... he knew how to be content it times of plenty and when times were leaner. There is so much I can learn from his writings.

  Bottom  line is God is trying to teach me something here, and I so want to be the ready student, ever eager to learn the lessons that our Master has for us!

  One of the lessons I am slowly starting to learn is this ( and boy am I slow learner!!) ....... God could care less whether we live on 20 acres in a lovely country setting or if we live in a high rise apartment in the big city.  His concern lies with our heart and what He finds there.  Bottom line, our salvation is not dependent upon "where" we live , ladies. Our relationship with the King of Kings is not dependent upon our living circumstances, but upon the circumstances which our found in our hearts. Like most things, learning to be content, no matter where you find yourself in life is a matter of the heart.  

  I admit, to having pride.  How prideful of me to have looked down my nose at those who choose to live in the suburbs.  How wrong of me to be smug in thinking oh it's so much better to live in the country.   How prideful and arragont of me!  Ugly.. ugly pride.   Who am I to think that way? And who am I to think that because one lives in a small town in the country that this is the most ideal place for a person to live -- say's who?  I don't recall reading anything about it in the Bible.  

  In short, and I am being pretty transparent here now........I have made this "live in the country" lifestyle a false god in a way.  I have assumed, because of my pride and narrow mindness that this is the "only" way to raise a family and goodness, how can anyone raise kids in town or in the city? 

 Again, say's who? Says God? No, the Word of God - the final authority does not say so.

I was thinking about the lives of many great Christians -- Amy Charmichael and othere missionaries who labored in sweaty crowded cities.........God placed them there to do reach out in love and compassion to many that society had outcast.....

I guess what I am trying to say ladies, is that we need to be careful.  Let's not make our "homestead" or our "country living" a golden calf.  Let's not be quick to think that we have it better simply because we live in the country and smell fresh air.  Let's remember God places His children in various places for HIS purposes not ours.  Does God really care if we make our own bread or can our own preserves? Those things are great and honestly I love homemade bread -- but in all honesty ladies, God isn't going to make a fuss about it.  Many of God's servants have lived i crowded environments smack dab in the city.  Some He has taken to isoloted places  ( the children of Israel and Elijah I am thinking of here) .  

Ouch..... that is what God has been teaching me and showing me. 

Pride -- it's so ugly isn 't it?  Call it whatever you wish, but it is P R I D E.  When we begin to think our "way" is the better way of doing something and we do not have any back up from God's word for that then we are stepping on some pretty dangerous ground.

I think God wants us to bloom where we are planted.  Whether that means in a crowded suburban sub division, or on an insolated prairie...... let's remember that we are here to glorify the king of Kings, and Lord of Lords.... it's not about us, and what "we think" it's about Him.   Let's not assume that because someone here lives on  1/8 of an acre that somehow there is something wrong with that .   Let's not give in to the false sense of assurance that because we live on acreage we have it better.

We need to be careful ladies.

Jesus, went into the city often. He preached in the streets of Jerusalem , a bustling town with many people  often........

Where we live is not important...... but what is in our hearts is.

Just some thoughts that God has been laying on my heart lately,

gloria

Spilling the beans... - 09:07, Thursday, May 28, 2009

             It's time to confess. Time to be honest. I have been living in the country, now for 2.5 yrs now.  I have experienced enough of what it's like to live in a small community in the middle of no where to be able to honestly give an assesment of what's it's been like.

     First of all there are lots of things I really do like about country living.  I love waking up to the sounds of birds chirping. I love the peace and quiet. I love that my kids can play without any concerns or fears about the neighbors or the cars or anything of the sort. I love the they can run and explore and be free.  I love that as far as I can see there is rolling hills and trees......   I love that I can take a walk in the country without having to leave my property!   There are lots of things I love about country living......

  In all honesty though, I think it's time I "spill the beans" and share some of the "down sides".   Realistically for those who are dreaming about a country homestead, I think it's important to share the positives and also some of the negatives. 

 First of all, I am a neat person. I like order and cleanliness.... both of which are hard to have at times living in the country.  I have a love hate relationship with my old farmhouse.... I love the charm and hate how much work and money and time we put into this place and still not be done!  I don't like that it takes almost an hour to get decent medical care or dental care. The local dentist is a joke and really shouldn't be practicing dentistry.  

  I don't like the old delapitated buildings that no one around here seems to care about but don't take time to tear down or burn down. It makes the farms look trashy and dirty.  I don't like the old buildings on my own property that really need to be burned, but a certain someone isn't wanting to do it. Ughh. 

  I don't like the fact that there is "small town mentality" in small towns. It really does exist. I don't like when I take my kids to the park and the locals ask if the "black" kids are mine. Ughh. I have adopted kids from latin america, and many around these parts can't tell the difference.

  I don't like that there are really no decent restaraunts to go to around these parts... that is unless one wants to eat meat and potatoes and fried, fried fried foods. Did I mention they serve fried foods in these parts?    I miss the open minded culture of the West coast compared to the midwest. 

  I miss the culture and diversity of the West.  I miss going to a park and seeing kids run around of all kinds of color and nationality.

  I miss the clean drinking water of mountain water.

  I don't like the animals that poop in my garden or tear up my flower beds.

  I think I have shared enough. It's been a learning experience living in this old farmstead.  There are things I have enjoyed and things I definately could pass on. 

  I grew up in a tidy neighborhood in the 'burbs. I married and headed out to the country on a small piece of ground ( 2 acres) that I could tend and care for. I think I underestimated myself when we came out  to this place. I thought I was brave enough and strong enough to endure a house remodel.  ( it will be 3 yrs strait we have been working on this old place) . Honestly I am tired, and I wouldn't mind moving back west, where I can pick up a small piece of land that I can tend and keep tidy ( doesn't have to be fancy, but tidy is important to me) and where my children of color won't stand out. 

 I know I sound discontent... and honestly I have been struggling with that lately. I think part of is due to the fact that our house remodeling has gone on for so long and the other part is the huge culture changes that we went thru moving from the West coast to the central/midwest state. ( and yes it is definately a change of culture!!) . The combination of both of these has been tough.

  I pray daily that I can be content , and like Paul writes to be content with all.

  It's a challenge. 

  I think those of you who are considering a move to the country really need to weigh things out and really ponder the possibilities. It's not always a bed of roses like you may think by reading the blogs here. There are some challenges with living in the country.  

 I honestly think I wasn't prepared and perhaps not the best canidate.  When I recently found my dog had torn up my flower beds that had been planted with wildflowers I about lost it! Well I did lose it. I had no patience for it what so ever. I want my pretty flowers over the dog. I know it may sound cruel, but it's the truth.

Maybe I sound spoiled and discontent, and maybe I am. I sure am a flawed individual for sure. But I am honestly sharing my heart on this, and I know there are some here who are considering a big move from the city or suburbs to the country.  Sometimes when you read the posts here on homesteader you may think everything is lovely and smelling sweet and fresh in the country -- but that is not always the case. Most don't blog about the cows and the manure smell and the day to day challenges.

Phew... I have said enough. Thanks for listening and please no flaming. The last thing I need to here is some woman going off on me and saying how I need to be thankful and patient, yada yada yada........I know that. Honestly I do. I am just needing to share what is on my heart without other women shaking their fingers at me. Hopefully that won't be the case.

'night,

gloria

At my wits' end! - 09:56, Saturday, May 23, 2009

   Dear Readers,

There is something that is pressing upon me that I simply can not resolve. It is bigger than I am and all I can do is turn it over to the Lord.  Some days I am pressed down by this challenge and I feel truly I have arrived at my "whits' end" sort of speak.  Today is one of those days, and as I read my morning devotional, I couldn't help but think how perfect the message was for me this morning!

For those of you out there pressed with a challenge that has you at your "whits' end" remember, it is precisely when you have arrived at the end of your rope that Jesus begins to work.  The less of us , means the more of Him!

Do not be discouraged -- it may be the last key on the ring that opens the door!

 "They were at their wits' end. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble and He brought them out of their distress. "     Psalm 107:27 & 28

Are you standing at "Wits' End Corner", Christian with a troubled brow?

Are you thinking of what is before you, and all you are bearing now?

Does all the world seem against you, and you in the battle alone?

Remember --- at "Wits' End Corner", is just where God's power is shown.

Are you standing at "Wits' End Corner" , blinded with wearing pain,

Feeling you cannot endure it, you cannot bear the strain,

Bruised through the constant sufffering dizzy and dazed and dumb?

Remember -- -at "Wits' End Corner" is where Jesus love to come.

Are you standing at "Wits' End Corner"? Your work before you spread,

All lying begun, unfinished and pressing on heart and head,

Longing for strength to do it, stretching out trembling hands?

Remember -- at " Wits' End Corner"  The Burden Bearer Stands.

Are you standing at " Wits' End Corner"?

Then you're just in the very spot, to learn the wondrous resources

Of Him who fails you not:

No doubt to a brighter pathway your footsteps soon be moved,

But only at " Wits' End Corner" is the "God who is able" proved.

A Mother's Day Prayer - 06:20, Sunday, May 10, 2009

  Dear Ladies,

I will be honest with you now.... shhh..... I won't say it too loud, but I just have to say I don't like mother's day..... yeah, that's right... it has never been on my list of "top" 5 holidays.    I am deeply uncomfortable with the attention and really I spend the day wishing it was over and we could get on to "normal" living... I know I know.. I sound like a party pooper don't I know? But oh, it feels good to be honest and transparent. :) This is my blog, after all, eh?  I just feel like it's silly to have "one" day set apart for honoring our mothers...... I personally believe each day should be mother's day.. ... I love my mom. I miss her something fierce, and I call her often and send her cards and things often.  I don't need a set apart Sunday to remember who she is and what she has done.  I want to spend my life honoring her, loving her and tending for her needs... right now that is super hard since I live 1,800 miles away, so all I can do is call, send letters, and pray that the good Lord will watch over my mom.   To take one day is trivial to me..... each day should be "mom's day" in my book.

I also hate the focus on "me" today. I am a flesh filled woman and I am *not* what the Hallmark cards say mother's are. Yes, I think I am a good mom, but I do occasionally rant and rave at my kids and no I am not always happy about cooking for my large brood or throwing in another load of laundry. I also hope that my kids learn to appreciate and honor me on a day to day basis ... not just once a year.... the best way they can do that as my pastor said this morning is by obeying me in what I ask for them to do.  The promise of honoring our mothers is a beautiful one  -- 

   "honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land "............

  If we hope to live a long life, let's honor our mothers........

  My pastor today encouraged the children in our congregration to honor their parents by obedience.  " Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right" . Eph. 6:1  Pastor Corey encouraged the children to obey their parents as a form of honoring them. That was nice. :)

  So now, that this is off my chest and I have shared how I really feel about Mother's day instead of what I am "expected" to feel... I want to move on to what the purpose of this post is.........

I wish to pray for each one of you today. For those of you who have been given the great responsibility of raising children, whether that be one child or 15 ...... for those of you whose children are grown and raising children of their own... you are still a mother and now a grandmother, your responsibility is even greater..... and last but not least for those who yearn and desire to have children, but as of yet have not been able to to see that materialized..... this prayer is for you too..... God sees your mother heart and your desire to raise up children for Him.

Wherever you are, whome ever you are.... "Mothers" this prayer is for you.  God bless ~ gloria

               ____________________________

Lord,

I wish to take a moment today and pray for all the mothers out there.  There are so many, and you know where they are and what their needs are , Lord. I want to thank you Lord for my own dear mother.... you know I love her Lord and wish I could be there with her today.... but Lord I know you can take care of her better than I can Lord. So, I want to pray for my mom. She's getting on in years Lord, and sometimes I worry about her.  Lord please watch over, bless her last years of her life with health and joy... surround her with loved one and those that will cherish her. Watch over her Lord, as you know how well to do.

I want to pray for all the other Mothers out there today, Lord. Be with them Lord. They have such a huge responsibility. Many of them have heavy hearts right now because of their children. Some are suffering because their children are ill, or impaired and some mother's hearts are broken because their children are not walking with you, Lord. Bless these women Lord. Help them to be the mothers that you want them to be, not what they want to be, but what YOU want them to be. Give them wisdom Lord to lead and guide their children. Fill them with love for their little ones and big ones... their grandchildren and adopted children.    Lord bless them with physical , mental , and emotional strength . Their days are long and their pay is not so good. 

Lord I especially pray for those women who have a yearning to be a mother.  Whose hearts and hands yearn to hold a child and love them.  Lord be with these special women, and if it's your will God please bless them with the desires of their hearts.

Lord,  Thank you for being our God. For loving us , in spite of our weaknesses our shortcomings and our sins and transgressions. Forgive us Lord when we fall short and stumble. Send your Holy Spirit to pick us up and help us in our roles as Mothers. 

Thank you , Lord for your goodness and faithfulness. Gently lead those that are with young( Isaiah 40:11)  and those that are at this time carrying a precious babe in their womb. 

And finally Lord, grant us your wisdom to teach your children of YOU. Let us speak of you often and show our children and grandchildre in deed and in word that you are Lord of Lords and King of Kings. That our lips may speak of your greatness, and faithfulness.

We love you, Lord.

In Jesus' name,

Amen

Reflections on Easter - 02:56, Tuesday, April 14, 2009

  We enjoyed a lovely weekend. Thursday night we gathered together as a church for the parting of bread and fruit of the vine.... old and young... children, parents and "in betweens" gathered around the table to remember the body and blood that was shed for us. We also had some friends join us , that do not attend our church, but are part of the body of believers. I just love that - that we can part bread with other believers across the world.   After we broke bread we read about the "washing of feet" and we went to the local nursing home and "washed feet" there, that is we visited with the widows and many lonely souls there. They are so precious. Our family got to visit with "virginia". What a precious experience to pray with her and sing some old hymns... I asked virginia if she knew the lord and how precious it was to hear how she and her husband ( now deceased) had knelt before the alter years ago ago ( during a church revival) and given their lives to Jesus. Virginia and shed tears together as she expressed her desire to be with her Lord.......Lord willing, she will be "home" soon.

Friday night the youth were invited to view the Passion and Sunday arrived with a beautiful breakfast prepared by the  men at church. Not only did we enjoy a bountiful feast.. we also enjoyed a spiritual feast as we sang, clapped and praised God for overcoming death and sin for us!  We left completely full and satisfied..... that is always the case when one is fed God's word and worships.

Sunday afternoon and evening was spent quietly at home. We enjoyed such a feast at church ( both spiritually and physically) that we really were so satisfied to bask in that........ I prepared a simple dinner of crossiants and fresh fruit salad.  Then my husband and I hid easter eggs filled with scripture passages and hid them...... the children then read their passages -- all passages about the resurrection.

It was a a wonderful weekend ~ Easter has taken on such a special meaning to me lately. Knowing how much Jesus loved me to die for me, and then ovecoming the grave....... well, when I ponder that it's no wonder I want to clap and sing " Hallelujah"!

We are still basking in the "left overs" of that celebration........

The JOY of the Lord truly is our strength!

I hope you all enjoyed a lovely Easter as well,

gloria

HALLELUJAH!!! - 01:13, Sunday, April 12, 2009

Wishing each one of you a JOYOUS Easter!

Praising Him,

gloria

Good Friday Thoughts.... - 01:37, Friday, April 10, 2009

 " Surely He hath born our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitted of God and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him and with His stripes we are healed.  All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned everyone his own way and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.  He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgement and who shall declare his generation?  For he was cut off out of the land of the living, for the transgression of my people was he stricken.  And he made his grave with the wicked and with the rich in his death, because he has donem no violence, neither was there any deceit in his mouth.  Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him, he hath put him to grief, when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed , he shall prolong his days and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.  He shall see the travail of his soul and shall be satisfied, by his knowledge shall my rigteous servant justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong because he hath poured out his soul unto death, and he was numbered with the transgressors, and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors. " Isaiah 53:2-12

  ____________________________________________

This passage of scripture from Isaiah is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. I can't read this passage without weeping..........

In November of 2007 I completely surrendered my life to King Jesus.   My life has never been the same.  I have had my "crosses" to bear , as He said I would, but oh the JOY that has come into my life since I let in Jesus! No words describe the JOY!

Today, is a day of great significance for me and for many believers. It is the day we recall, ponder and remember the sacrifice of the Lamb of God , who came to take away the sins of the world.  Because of what Jesus did at Calvary, we are cleansed, washed and forgiven. Jesus truly made "peace" thru the blood of HIS cross. Colossians 1:20.

Last night we attended our weekly worship service and 'broke bread and the fruit of the vine' with other believers. It was a precious time of remembering our own passover Lamb... Jesus.  Afterwards we went and  "washed feet"  of the widows at the local nursing home. ( no we didn't literally do it, but "symbolicaly")  We were so blessed to meet a precious woman by the name of " Virginia". Virginia is very old, but she is well in mind. I asked Virginia if "she knew the Lord" and with tears in her eyes she shared the experience of how she and her husband ( now deceased) had kneeled at the altar and given their lives to Christ during a revival years and years ago at her then church.  As we sang with Virginia the beautiful verses of Amazing Grace, she wept...... I wept too..... Virginia longs to be with Jesus.... and as I prayed with her last night, I did pray that Jesus would take her home soon........It was a precious experience.  I hope to visit Virginia again soon. She touched our lives.

How many people like Virginia sit alone and lonely...... Virginia has no living children or family...... her room was simple and un-adorned, and yet she shared with me the blessed assurance she has in Jesus. Virginia has everything. She has Jesus.

The children have no studies today. We spent the morning praying, and reading the passion of our Lord from the gospels. We also read the many many prophecies that were made about Jesus and what he would endure the final hours before His death.  Tonight, we will have a simple supper of lamb, bread and other simple foods...... we will be remembering what our Lord did so long ago.

Today as we remember what Jesus did for us, I pray each one of us will fall before Him and thank Him for all He endured.... from His lowly birth to Calvary........

King of Kings, Lord of Lords.... we bown down and we Crown you the king!

gloria

Taking a moment to brag... - 10:46, Tuesday, April 7, 2009

The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ is my only reason for bragging.   -- Galatians 6:14

  _____________________

As we remember Calvary this week, I can't help but take a moment and brag about my Jesus. He is so good, is He not?  He left His throne and came to earth, was made flesh and dwelt among us. ( John 1:16) He willingly gave His life for us - to take away our sins, and by the blood of His cross He had made "peace" for us!  Col. 1:20

Oh, how I love to brag about my Jesus!

He is so faithful, so good, so true!

Do you know Jesus? If not, He is so worth the effort of getting to know!

My prayer is that I will always be bragging about what Jesus did on the cross so long ago!

~ gloria~

Do you know the King of Kings? - 02:50, Thursday, April 2, 2009

    We are reading the Book of John again. I am always struck when reading this book how very clearly it points to the need for Jesus. He is the WAY. This is the book of books to read, when a person wants to know "how" to gain eternal life. It can't get spelled out any clearer than John chapter 3.

   "  Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God". verse 3

         " Ye must be born again"  verse 7

  " That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."  v.15

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whomsoever believeth in HIM should not perish but have everlasting life."  v. 16

" But that the world thru Him might be saved."   v . 17

" He that believeth on the Son, hath everlasting life."  verse 36

It's pretty spelled out --- JESUS is the WAY.   Thru Him we may receive eternal life. Not thru a relgion, or religious system, or thru a ritual or thru any other means or names under heaven or on earth.   NO church membership, no buidling, no nothing. It's all about JESUS.  We can not "earn" entrance into heaven by our good works. We can never  be good enough. Only Jesus is good enough to pay that price and the price was perfection -- a perfect sinless life. I don't know about you, but I don't know not even one person who is sinless and perfect, do you? God sent Jesus to be the ultimate sin offering, our passover lamb.

The Lord  said it very clearly:

" I am the way the truth and the life. NO man cometh unto the father but by me."  John 14:6

There are many "voices" out there crying "this way and that way"....... let me remind you readers that the way is "narrow"...... not wide. Jesus warned us of false prophets, and false teachers and even false christs that would come to deceive even the very elect ( or saved) of God. Matt chapter 24

Do not be deceived, my dear readers.

If you have not had the chance to place your trust and completely surrender yet to King Jesus,  it's not too late!!!

In November of 2007, I completely surrendered my life to King Jesus. I completely abondoned myself to His will. My life has been changed. He has changed my heart. He has filled me with JOY. He has taken over and Has purchased me thru His blood.

Friends, as we approach this Easter season when we remember the most important event in all of History -- the sacrifice of the King upon Calvary -- let us remember it is thru HIS blood we are forgiven and set free! Romans 5:9

If you have not accepted Jesus as the ONLY means of salvation and all you need, please feel free to email me at any time and I would be happy to pray with you and answer any of your questions you may have.

Jesus, King of Kings, reigns!

He is  the Lamb of God whose blood was shed for our sins.

I will be praying that all my readers who have yet to receive the free gift of salvation may do so soon! Please let me know if I can be praying for you!

Finally, I offer up a prayer:

Lord, Jesus you are my King. You are Holy and worthy of all my praise. Lord, thank you for dying for me, and for shedding your blood so I can be forgiven. Thank you for opening up heaven's gate for me, and for redeeming me.  I come before you Lord and ask you to please touch the hearts of each reader who comes across my blog. Please touch their hearts lord and open their eyes, if you have not done so already. Please capture their hearts Lord, so that they too may raise up their hands and worship you as King of Kings and Lord of Lords!  May this blog be used for your glory and may your name be exalted above all other names!

In Jesus name,

Amen.

Quiverfull movement? - 02:36, Wednesday, March 25, 2009

  I am a little "hot" under the collar right now...... I just finished reading what I thought was a lovely article on large families .  You can read it at www.npr.org  . They named the article the "quiverfull movement".........it was posted today.

 I thought the piece was well written.  They interviewed 2 different large families. One was a family with 7 children who live in rural Michigan, and the other was a family with 6 children who live in a more suburban area. Both families openly shared their views about children and family.  You can read the article or hear the interview.

  As I said, the piece was well written in my estimation, especially coming from the traditionally liberal National Public Radio. :) 

  It wasn't the article itself that created "heat" under my collar but the comments of many left on the website. Some were down right rude and mean. The typical "large families overpopulate" our crowded planet talk,  yada yada yada........ give me a break.

  I think most are aware of the declining populations of the European nations.  Basically societies that are 'dying off'.   The world is not over populated folks.  Yes, some regions of the earth are overpopulated.... been to New York City or L.A.? Yes, they are overpopulated... but the whole  arguement of the earth being overpopulated just isn't true.  I live in the midwest. I am surrounded by thousands of acres. The town I live in has approximately 2,000 residents. Overpopulated? I don't think so.   There are thousands of towns like mine dotting the countryside of America. Overpopulated? Pleeeeez.

  What is this "quiverfull" movement after all? What is quiverfull and is it a movement?   I laugh when I hear that term. I laugh because I wonder what God thinks of we humans down here calling this a "movement"....... The Lord has always viewed children as a blessing.  

   Children are a heritage of the Lord.  Blessed is the man that has his quiver full.   Psalm 127

  Blessed, God says.... Blessed is exactly how the Lord views children.    Not the curse or "burden" that society views children. Not the "financial burden" these children will place on our economy. Good grief!  The U.S. is 11 trillion in debt, and it certainly is not as a result of Americans having more than 1.5 children!

  A lot of people think I must be "amazing" or "very patient" because I have 10 children. I am neither. I am a normal mom who struggles with day to day challenges just like any other mom.  I don't know if I can say my husband and I subscribe to the "quiverfull" movement....... :)  We chose to have 10 children. Yes, chose. No they were not "oops" or "mistakes" as some may think. They were each welcomed and wanted .   Are my children always a blessing as God views them?  No. In all honesty, I struggle with "feeling" that way at times....... especially when my twin boys , who were playing hide and seek behind the bathtub, accidently loosened the plumbing and caused our ceiling below to cave in. :(  Nope, at that moment in time I really questioned whether the good Lord had created my children in "His" image or in the image of some demon! 

   No, honestly I struggle like you all do...  I don't always think my kids are blessings....... but most days I am thankful for them and the things the Lord is showing me in the process of loving them, caring for them and teaching them. Is it easy -- NO.  Is it always fun -- NO. Is it hard work... Yes!

 We also don't ascribe to the "children are a burden" and cost too much, eat too much and are a  basic nuisance thinking.  I think that is the philosophy of our culture right now, and definately not  a philosophy  we ascribe too.  I think my husband I find ourselves somewhere in the middle. We are not "saintly" because we have chosen to have 10 children, and we are not of the thinking that it's "awful"  either.  ( well, it depends on the day.

40 Days For Life - 01:58, Friday, March 6, 2009

   Recently I was listening to Christian Radio and had heard various announcements for a ministry called : 40 days for Life.... an orginization that is taking 40 days to fast, pray and keep vigil for the unborn child.  To learn more about this orginized effort to end the culture of death and abortion: www.40daysforlife.com

 From Feb. 25th - April 5, Americans all over the nation are joining together daily for prayer, fasting and keeping vigil at abortion clinics.

  You can go to the website and see if your hometown is listed on their website. I was saddened to see that there is nothing here in the greater Kansas City area.  I emailed them and asked if there was anything we could do here locally. Please consider being a part of this effort to unite the body of Christ in prayer and fasting for these precious souls.  So far they have been able to help 75 women choose life vs. death! Praise God!

Please consider being involved in some way to help end abortion in America.

May God help us and cleanse us and heal our land ~

gloria

Why do I blog? - 06:57, Wednesday, February 11, 2009

    Dear Readers,

I want to thank each of you for the lovely comments you leave on my blog.  They bless me and encourage me! Thank you! I wanted to take a moment and share with my readers "why" I chose to blog. I know that there are SO many blogs out there! Oh my goodness! One can get "lost " in blog land, and one can waste precious time reading blogs. :)

Last year, after taking a long blogging "break" I prayerfully decided  "if" I should blog.  I asked myself "why" and what purpose did I have in blogging and wasting other's time?  First of all I certainly didn't want to "waste" anyone's time! Let alone women who are busily raising their children and caring for their homes. Time is precious -- and I didn't want to wasted anyone's precious time.

I also didn't want to waste "my" time.

So with that thought -- I prayerfully purposed in my heart to blog for the purpose of glorify my Lord.  I wanted to and continue to want to use my blog to share the "good news" of what Jesus has done for us!  I want this blog to lift up the name of our Lord and glorify God! I wanted , simply put, to  be a "fruit producing" blog for God's glory!

I also wanted to use this blog to encourage other women in their roles as "keepers of their homes". 

That is the purpose of my blogging. Sometimes I find myself falling short of my goal -- but hopefully the Lord will help get me "on the sadle" again and write for His glory!

That is "why" I blog.

What this blog will not be used for is the "public confessions" of my personal life, or of the life of my chilren or husband. No, this blog is not going to be a "public tell all" kind of blog.  There are lots of blogs out there there like that  -- but mine will not join the ranks of "soap opera" tell alls.

Because of that, you will not be reading details of personal challenges or details of my relationships with my children or my husband or with my friends.  

Simply put, I live a simple life - with little fan fare - and you know what? I like it that way. :)

No, this blog is dedicated for God's glory & to witness to the lost that Jesus is the WAY.  I will also share things to encourage keepers at home , but ladies truly you will not really "get to know me intimately" by the reading of my blog. It's a public blog, and as such, it will not become "personal".

I hope that makes sense to you all.

Just felt I needed to get that off my chest.

I hope in some small way your visits to my blog will encourage you in your walk with the Lord and in your stewardships at home.

God bless you,

gloria

Live by Faith - 03:36, Monday, February 2, 2009

The Lord has been leading me to spend a lot of time in the Word lately..... Ironically I am seeing correlations between ancient Israel and my own nation of America.  God loved Israel, but Israel constantly was going after "other gods" and other "interests"... as  a result, the Lord would often times allow Israel , to be sold into bondage to foreign powers and sometimes to be driven out of their lands..... foreign rulers ruled and the "gods" of other nations were honored over the God of Israel. But thru it all, God was dealing with His people. He was allowing wicked rulers to rule and allowing Israel to be placed in bondage -- only to cry out to God when things got "tough".

Are we there yet? Is America there yet? Are we like Israel -- have we gone after other "gods"?  Have we become a wicked nation? Hmmm........something to think about.... I do know that there are many people in our nation who do love the Lord and serve Him -- but our laws and our leaders have  become corrupt and we elect ungodly leaders.  Shall there be no consequence?

I have been praying for an overturn of Roe vs. Wade for years....... I don't see that happening..... I have been praying against the attack on traditional marriage and yet many states are allowing 2 men or  2 women to marry.... what is going on? Is God not hearing our prayers? Of course He is! He is faithful to hear the cries of His people, but at the same time He is a just God who can not look upon sin with the least bit of allowance.

How are we to respond when our newly elected President decides to allow our tax paying dollars to be used for international abortions?  How should believers respond when our President grants his first T.V. interview to an Arab nation versus the nation Obama serves ??? How should we respond when he publically states that we need to make friends with the "Arabs" and win the frienship of Afghanastan ( a Muslim nation that we can not ever come to peace with) ? In the few weeks Obama has been in office he has shown support for abortions to be performed abroad, reached out to become friends with the Arabs and stated: That the war on "terror" is over.  Soft handling terrorism, eh? How can we make peace with nations that worship another god? Impossible.

So, instead of flipping out about the choices Mr. Obama is making... I have chosen to pray... pray that God will continue to work on Mr. Obama's heart.  I know He is able. It's so easy to freak out when I see what this man is doing..... I see nothing "pro America" in his choices he is making and that is concerning..... but , God sits on the throne, regardless of "who" sits in the white house.

As believers we can do much by praying. Praying for those in authority over us and praying for our nation.

America will get what America deserves..... and at this point, she deserves judgement.  We have had plenty of time to reverse Roe vs. Wade. Plenty. When Bush was elected in 2000, there was a conservative senate and congress.  Nothing changed. How long do you think God is just going to look past our sins?

As believers though, we can easily get all worried about the situation.... but the Bible tells us differently:

 "  The evil nation is very proud  of itself; it is not living as it should. But those who are right with God will live by faith. "  -- Habbukuk 2:4

America is not living as she should.  She has become prideful and has cast aside God in her schools, in her courtrooms and in her heart.  But, those who are right with God shall live by faith. God's people have always lived by faith. When Israel went after other "gods" and was taken over by foreign powers , there were always those who were faithful. Maybe a few, but beilevers have always been found on the earth and so shall it continue. 

We are not too live in "worry" or "anxiety"...... we are to live by  F A I T H. 

Knowing our great Lord, our deliverer will take care of us -- even if we are taken over by other nations and powers..........He will not abandon us in our hour of need.

Living by faith is not easy in this day an age -- but is there any other way to live?

I think not,

gloria

Please Lord forgive us -- Mexico City Policy Rescinded by Obama - 03:21, Saturday, January 24, 2009

My dear  readers,

My heart is broken today as I read the news that Pres. Obama has rescinded the Mexico City Policy, a policy started by Pres. Reagan that required all government funded NGO's that receive federal funding to refrain from promoting or performing abortion services in other countries.  The policy required all NGO's who received federal funding to sign an agreement stating they will not promote or perform abortions abraod. Yesterday this law to protect the unborn child was rescinded by Pres.Obama.

Obama has also declared he wishes to expand financial support  for the United Nation's Conference on Population control  -- basically expand U.S. funding of abortions in other nations!

It breaks my heart to see America using tax paying funds to kill innocent lives.

The bible declares " that seven things the Lord hates....... including the shedding of innocent blood" ( proverbs 6: 16-19 ) and if God's hates abortion so do I!

My family and I pray daily for an end of this infantacide....... we cry out to God for our nation, our people to turn away from this evil....... and yet at times I wonder "why" does God not change this law? Why does He allow these evils to continue? I can not pretend or asume to know God's mind or will, His ways are not mine....... but I continue to cry out......

My heart is broken.......... may God convict Obama of his evil designs and may Obama turn away from this great sin he has engaged in.

In God I trust,

gloria

ps. to read more about the Mexico City Policy go to Wikipedia.com

Majesty - 02:28, Thursday, November 6, 2008

This beautiful song was on  my lips today.........I hope you enjoy the lovely words and may you be led to worship His Majesty!

                                                Majesty

                                words & music by Jack Hayford

Majesty, worship His majesty. 

Unto Jesus be all glory, honor and praise.

Majesty, kingdom authority , 

Flow from His throne,

Unto His own,

His anthem raise.

So exalt , lift up on high the name of Je-sus.

Magnify, come glorify, Christ Jesus , the King.

Majesty, worship His majesty.

Jesus, who died, now glorified, King of all Kings.

Pondering Nehemiah - 11:26, Tuesday, November 4, 2008

" And it came to pass , when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven."   ~ Nehemiah 1:4

My heart feels like Nehemiah when he was told that the walls of Jerusalem were destroyed and the Jews were held captive and in affliction.

Oh, God please forgive us. We know you are Sovereign, and we know it is you that appoints rulers and judges over us. Please forgive us Lord, and touch the heart of Pres. Obama ~ place beside him men like Daniel, who may influence him for good. 

May America repent, humble themselves and pray and seek your face and turn from their wicked wicked ways... and forgive us of our sins.

May you heal our land, Lord.

In Jesus name.

Children's books -- what is the message being sent? - 12:54, Sunday, October 19, 2008

Each week we go to our local library. We enjoy picking out new books each week to read. Usually I am pretty good about screening the books my children read -- but this past week I was in a hurry, so I didn't.

For those that think that children's literature today is NOT loaded with a powerful message, take a read at what I found in my son's book he picked out:

From the DK book: "Shreck: The Complete Guide"

" Some say that Hollywood is the place where fairy tales come true... but in a kingdom where fairy tales are real ,Far Far Away is the place where dreams can come true!  All the fairy - tale princes and princesses flock here to live happily ever after in luxury making  the most of their celebrity status." 

First of all this message is loaded with lies!

1. Hollywood is NOT the place where fairy tales come true!

2. There is no such thing as Fairy Tales!

3.  " Far Far Away" does not exist -- it is not the name of an actual town & it is not a place where dreams come true!

4. Dreams don't always come true! Dreams are dreams , not reality!

5. There is no such thing as fairy tale princesses and princes and they certainly don't live in luxury status!!

What is the message being sent to kids? That lying is ok to do with kids. Hey why not, right -- there only kids?  What kind of message do we send our children when we allow lying to be ok ?  How can we expect them to tell the truth when we lie to them about mystical places and people that don't even exist? Oh but so many parents today cry out -- it's all harmless....... is it reallly? Is it harmless when someone lies to you?  When do we say "some lies are ok" and some aren't??? How do we rationalize telling our kids a lie?

I do not understand the facination the world has with "fantasy" with mystical figures that simply do not exist and lead our children to believe that "dreams come true" and "owning a castle" and "living in luxury" is a normal thing. Really is it?

What is the message we are sending to our children? Is it harmless?  I don't think so.

As I have travelled about in the world, I have noticed something -- compared to kids from other countries, American kids are self focused , spoiled and very much into "themselves".  This is not the case with children I have seen in 3rd world countries.  Have we raised America's kids on a steady diet of "fantasy, princesses, visions of castles, and jewels?"

Let's get serious here folks.  What we read effects us -- what our children read effect them!

Why does this kind of "twaddle" ( a term used by Charlotte Mason) sell?

How can we expect our children to grow up to  be independent, unselfish beings if they are raised thinking everything is just handed over ? 

People do dream -- but often their dreams are shattered...... life happens, there is heart ache..... there is dissapointment........I don't know anyone who lives in a castle do you?  

I want to prepare my children and equip them with the TRUTH -- not with fantasy. I want them to understand that in "this world ye shall not know peace"......... but that lasting JOY is found in the Lord. Not in "things" and in the world.

What kinds of heroes do our kids have? Who are their role models?

Is it the latest hollywood superstar? ( whomever that is, since they change from day to day!) or latest athlete ? Do we really want posters of  "modern day idols" plastered on their bedroom walls?

It breaks my heart what is going on with America's kids. Yes, we have it "all" as far as the world's wealth..... but we are in a state of moral and spiritual decay. America's kids are NOT stronger than their grandparents generation...... most of Americans would pass out if they had to go thru a great depression where kids were not allowe to be "hooked up " to their ipods, computers and latest gadgets.  People in this nation would fall to their knees if they had to give up their luxuries and modern conviences.

It's so very sad.

I am sorry if this is a heavy post........ I am not here to always write about "pretty" things...... you will not always find my blog posts, full of recipes and little tidbits about life on the homestead........sometimes I am going to blog about what I feel convicted in my heart to write about.

If you disagree with what I have shared here today -- you are free to do so. But I challenge you to explain why you would think differently about the direction our kids are going in today.

As for me and my house -- we will continue to serve the Lord & I for one am going to be a heck of a lot more careful about the books my kids bring home. Although this was a good teaching moment as I did read to my kids what I thought this book was teaching and explained to them how it was a complete lie.

May you be blessed!

~ gloria ~

Pure Religion -- What are we doing about it? - 02:06, Thursday, October 16, 2008

" Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this: To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction and to keep himself unspotted  from the world." ~ James 1:27

Thru out the entire bible we read many times that the Lord has a heart for the widow and the fatherless.... those in our society, who are the most vulnerable.... those who are the most lonely and need of our time and our love.   God's heart for the widows i& orphans in ancient Israel, was specifically  laid out in Jewish law. Provisions were to be put aside for widows and orphans. In the New Testament, godly men were called to help watch over the needs of the widows. God has always been concerned about widows & orphans.

I would love to hear what your local churches are doing to live pure and undefiled religion?

In the bible we do not read the word "religion"... other than this passage in James.

But here we are told what "pure" religion is.

I know many Churches have lots of "programs".... youth programs, kid's ministries, etc. They are busy busy .... but yet how many churches have a ministry that specifically reaches the orphans and widows?

Please share with me!

Our little church is working on starting a widow's ministry here. We have found a local retirement center that we will be visiting weekly and hosting a "hymn sing".  I would love to hear your ideas and what is being done in your churches. I attend a small country church, but we do have a heart to reach the most vulnerable. We have not been doing anything for orphans, and I so would  to see that change too.

And if your church is not ministering to the widows and orphans in your area or in the world at large - perhaps you can talk to your pastor and start one up! www.familylife.com  offers some wonderful resources to help start orphan ministries in churches.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts and suggestions!

~ gloria ~

Persecuted Christians in Iraq - 10:01, Saturday, October 11, 2008

Friends,

I just read a news report where 3,000 Christians are fleeing the Norther Iraq Province of Ninevah.  They are being persecuted, and are being threatened . They may lose their very lives.

Please, keep the Christians in the Persecuted Church in Iraq in your prayers tonight.

According to a statistic from www.persecutedchurch.org ,  there will be an estimated 165,000 Christians who will die this year for their faith in Christ.

May God bless & protect  these souls who are in harm's way -- and may they stay strong in their love for the Lord!

~ gloria ~