Help! ... Look Up

I don't know how many of you are like me right now, but I could use a little help!  Help in getting through these last few weeks of lessons.  I'm sure there are more than a few of us homeschool moms in the same boat.  Maybe some of you are finished already.  That's great!  And to you -- I stick my tongue out at you.  Just kidding.  I am a little jealous though.  But here at the Wade School for Boys (haha, sounds like a correctional institution doesn't it?), we still need to finish up, and I'm trying my best to finish strong.  Or at least finish!  :-)

It's just so hard to focus when the weather is so nice.  And then there's the rush to get to all the cool places before school lets out and it gets crowded.  Anyone with me on this?!  Don't get me wrong, I like people, just not crowds of people!  Anyway, where was I?  See how easily distracted I am?   Oh, yes.  Help.  Lots of it, please.  

I've marked my boys books to where they need to be in order to close out this school year.  Now they are working away to get to that point as fast as they can.  I'm just trying to keep myself focused so I can encourage them in their work.  I think it may be harder for me than for them!  

As some of us struggle through these last few days and weeks, let's try to look up for our help.  I love Psalm 121 and those first two verses tell us where to look for help.  I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence comes my help.  My help comes from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.  

If it's your desire to finish up strong, and get 2011-2012 behind you - cry out to the Lord.  He hears.  He'll help.

Heart Work

No amount of effort will make our kids godly.  That is the work of the Holy Spirit and our daily dependence on Him.  - Sally Clarkson

A friend and homeschool support group leader shared that with our group after hearing Mrs. Clarkson speak.  I read the quote and the first thought that came to mind is, "how freeing!  The burden is off of me and on the Holy Spirit."

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.  Matthew 11:30  

There is still much work to be done in training our children in the ways of the Lord, but our focus needs to be on Jesus.  Faithfully walking with the Lord and sharing that walk, and God's truth, with our kids.  But the Heart work is His.  Not mine.

Week 2: Learning the New Testament

Well, week two proved to be a little harder than week one.  It was a challenge to remember the events and sequence, so a friend resorted to taking notes for us.  I know. We cheated.  But it's for a good cause!  I do hope to get this down really well and be able to present  it as a series of lessons to our Truth Town kids at church.  

Picking up where we left off last week, or I guess the week before last since I'm late in posting, is the next sequence of places and events and which event happened where.  (Not sure of some of the spelling.)

Jerusalem

    2nd birth
Sychar
    Woman at the well
Nazareth
    Rejected
Capernaum
    Selection of the 12
    Sermon on the mount
    Power over Satan
    Parables start
    Storm stilled
    Crowd filled
    Testing of Peter
    Transfiguration
Jerusalem
    Stones flew, Jesus withdrew
Periya  
    Counting the cost
    Seeking the lost

Week 1: Learning the New Testament

A friend asked if several homeschool kids could gather at a local church for a friend to practice her Walk Thru the Bible lessons as part of her training.  I thought it sounded interested.  Today was the first meeting.  wow!  Very neat.  The lessons are taught with simple hand motions and words as well as props.  Her focus for this group is the New Testament.  There are seventy-something motions and words that tell about the events, places and people of the NT in chronological order.  Here are the ones we learned today, minus the hand signs.  I'm trying to do them as I type :-)

400 years - Silent
Malachi - Matthew
Powers
Greece - Language
Israel - Hope
Rome - Roads
Politics
Sanhedrin
Scribes
Sadducee
Pharisees
Publicans
Zealots
Four distinct views
One Good News
Bethlehem - Birth
Nazareth - Carpenter
Jordan - Baptized by John
Wilderness - Tempted by Satan

It is surprisingly simple to remember, which I guess is the point.

I loved the reminder of how God was still working even during those silent years between Malachi and Matthew.  He used the Greeks to spread a common language, renewed the Jewish people's hope in God, and allowed the Romans to create a road system all in order to aid the spread of the gospel.  Silent but still working.

Oh and a bonus - this blew my mind.  It's not hard to remember 66 books in the Bible, but remembering how many are in each of the testaments is a little challenging.

How many books in the Old Testament?  Well, how many letters in 'old'? 3.  How many letters in testament? 9 - 39 books in the Old Testament.  How many books in the New Testament?  Well, what's 3x9?  27 books in the New Testament.  Super neat!  How did I not know this?!

He is Risen

Why seek ye the living among the dead? from Luke 24:5


And then the two men in shining garments, continuing on, say something like - "He is not here, but is risen.  Just like He said. Don't you remember?"  

I'm sure the women who made their way to the tomb that morning were not going simply to fulfill the rituals of burial but were also seeking some sort of comfort in being near the body of Jesus.  Comfort from life's disappointment, a tragedy, an injustice.  A loss of hope.    

I wonder how many times I seek comfort, encouragement and fulfillment among the dead things of this world?  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  1John 2:16  I don't really have to wonder, I know it's far too often.  

Why don't I remember?  Lord, help my unbelief.

His word is packed with promises, but they are only found in Him.  I know they are true, I've seen his promises at work in my own life and those around me.  Time and time again he does just what he says he'll do. 

Jesus, you told them you would rise again.  You kept your word.  Thank you, Jesus, for not being in that tomb when those women came.  

The One My Heart Loves

Part of Song of Solomon 3:4 was in the card I gave to Rick for our anniversary "I have found the one my heart loves."  I also wrote several things about him I am thankful for.  Among them  - loving me despite my shortcomings (thinking kitchen skills here), blessing me in big (new furniture on the way!) and small ways (cleaning the kitchen), and loving the Lord, most of all.

I love the way that verse continues "I held him and I would not let him go..."

Praise Ye the LORD

Psalm 148

 ¹Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights.

 ²Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.

 ³Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.

 ⁴Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.

 ⁵Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.

 ⁶He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.

 ⁷Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:

 ⁸Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling his word:

 ⁹Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:

 ¹⁰Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:

 ¹¹Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:

 ¹²Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:

 ¹³Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.

 ¹⁴He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD.

I had no idea the stars made any noise at all.  This was so mind blowing, I had to share.

Count it All Joy

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.  James 1:2-4

"She's the only one I know who smiles while she's in labor." This was spoken a few days ago about a sweet lady who was about to give birth to her fourth little girl.  The verses above came to mind.


It's really a beautiful scene if you picture it.  A mother laboring to deliver another little miracle into the world, all the while smiling and praying, letting her body do what God created it to do.  It's painful and hard, but she smiles in anticipation of the end result.  She relaxes so as not to tense up even more preventing her body from doing its work.  The more she yields to the contractions, the tightening and the stretching, and, yes, even the pain, the faster her body might finish its work of delivering the baby.  Fighting the natural process might prolong her laboring.  

In the end the baby joins the family and rejoicing begins.  For mom, the pain lingers for a bit, but soon will be forgotten.  A few scars may remain, but they only bring back memories of God's blessing.   

For years I struggled to understand the above scripture verses.  I'm not sure when I finally came to an understanding, but that sweet picture of a smiling mother in labor helped to illustrate its meaning for me.  

God sometimes uses trying circumstances and trials to do his work in us, further conforming us to His image.  How do we meet those challenges?  Do we cry, "foul," or "injustice," thinking this shouldn't be happening to me; or do we say, "Father, do your work in me," in anticipation of the end result? 

  

  

Mine Eyes Have Seen

Luke 2:25-33

 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.  

I love these scriptures.  I saw a painting several years ago, must have been about six or seven years ago, depicting Simeon holding baby Jesus in his arms.  It was very moving.  

I had never thought of these scriptures as being a part of the Christmas story until then. Simeon declared "mine eyes have seen thy salvation" and  that's just the point of Christmas, and why we celebrate.  Salvation, Jesus, had come.  And just as Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and the wise men all knew it, so did Simeon.

Praying you have seen His Salvation.

Merry Christmas!

A Virtuous Example

I have a hard time choosing favorites when it comes to Bible verses, books of the Bible or men & women of the Bible.  I would have to say that the book of Ruth is really high up there.  I may even say it's my favorite (for now!) and I'm really encouraged by Ruth's testimony of love, obedience and hard work.  I'll not retell the story of Ruth here.  If you're not familiar with it, I encourage you to read it straight from the source.  The book of Ruth is only four chapters long.   Be blessed!

No doubt the Lord God is the hero of the Bible, and we should focus not so much on the people of the Bible, but rather on who God is and how he deals with those people.  We are called to be like Jesus (who is God) not like Bible characters (...be conformed to the image of his Son.  Romans 8:29).  However, I do believe they are there for an example and to be an encouragement to us.      

I love the following passage from Ruth.  

And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:  Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.  Ruth 1:16-17

I also love what Boaz said to Ruth. 

And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.  And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.  Ruth 3:10-11

Majority Rule?

This past week during the B90Days reading we read the account of the twelve spies the Lord had Moses send to check out the land of Canaan.  I like this story...it reminds me that the majority is not always right, at least not when God is on your side.

I've had a couple of occasions to be encouraged by the testimony of Caleb & Joshua to trust in God's word.  Not that I'm a super christian by any means, but encouraged to stick to my guns none-the-less when I'm in the minority in certain situations.   

The Lord promised the Israelites that land, and Caleb and Joshua trusted him for it.  Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not. Num. 14:9  They knew what God had said regarding posession of the land and they believed he would do what he said.  Plain and simple. 

Too bad the majority didn't agree.

B90Days Day 8

I'm right on schedule with my reading, at least as long as I complete today's portion before midnight. Sundays and Mondays are hardest for me.  They are  busy days for me with work at church.  But that's no excuse -I will perservere!

Well, I have to say that I love the Old Testament.  I've always enjoyed history, so I guess that's no surprise.  Genesis is probably my favorite book. 

It's always been said that no matter how many times you read scripture your bound to find something new.  Or maybe something you knew will hit you in a new way.  Something that keeps coming to mind the last week is the following scripture where God is speaking to Abram:

Genesis 15: 13-14 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.

Now I've read it before, but didn't give it much thought.  God just out and out tells Abram that his decendants will be in bondage in strange land!  I wonder if that is information that Abraham passed on?  Did his sons and grandsons, etc. know what their extended family was headed for?  hmm

For Christians, one thing I'm sure of is that even when the bad happens in our lives it is for our good.  God has a plan.  We may not see or understand all the ins and outs of what is going on, but for certain in the end we will be better for our experiences.  It doesn't mean we have to like it, but we do need to trust in him throughout it all.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28


A lot of people refer to God as the Potter and refer to us as the clay Jeremiah 18:1-6 -  Now I bet if clay had feeling it wouldn't always feel too good - oh at times I'm sure it would feel like a nice and realxing massage - but at other times to get spun around and manipulated and then thrown into the oven, not so much.  But I bet we would all agree the end result is spectacular!

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.  James 1:2-3

Praise God for the good, and trust Him for good to come out of the bad.

B90Days Day 1

I'm happy to have started back on the Bible in 90 Days challenge today.  It was such a great experience last time and a neat feeling to have completed the challenge last summer.  I kept a few things in mind that help me get through the challenge that I'm hoping will help me again this time around. 

The first thing I did was set aside all other reading. Last week I checked out a book I've been wanting to read for a long time.  Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.  I got through the (very long) prologue last week and that was about it.  I just knew with B90Days starting in just a few days I wouldn't make it trying to read both.  I'll have to take it back to the library and check it out another time. 

Next, read before doing extra activities.  I love to craft, but no crafting until my reading for the day is done!

Also, read a little ahead when possible. Today, I finished my reading by about 4:30pm.  Tonight I will most likely read at least 2-3 chapters of tomorrows reading.  I don't always know exactly what the next day will hold for me.  So at any opportunity I'll sneak in a few extra chapters, or even just a few verses to get a little ahead.  If tomorrow turns out to be pretty busy, I'll have a little less to do in order to complete the days assignment.  And if for some reason I don't finish that days reading I won't be as far behind as I might have been.

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Righteous - that word stood out as I read today.  God told Noah in Genesis 7:1 for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.  God saw something in Noah that others didn't have.

I think about my righteousness, or lack thereof, and am grateful for God's salvation through Jesus Christ.  The Bible says that my righteousness "is as filthy rags" Isaiah 64:6 and that "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23.  Praise Him for Jesus who is "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" John 1:29.  Try as I might I can never be good or do enough good to be reconciled to the Lord God.  "For by grace are ye saved through faith; it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast."  Ephesians 2:8-9

Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.  For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.  Romans 5:18

I'm so thankful that when God looks at me for righteousness - it's not me he sees, but Jesus.



  

Love the Lord

And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.  Mark 12:29-30

Heart - core of identity or deepest identity; the source of our thoughts, words, actions

Soul - emotions

Mind - will; power of intention (i.e. I've made up my mind)

Strength - physical energy

These are some of my notes - listening to a sermon on the internet today while answering the phones at church.

Fourteenth Anniversary

We recited these verses during our wedding ceremony fourteen years ago today.  

Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:  Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.  Ruth 1:16-17

Scripture Focus

Romans 12:1-3

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

I know a lot of people have a "life verse", and many times I've tried to pick one but I can never seem to narrow it down!  I tend to have verses for different seasons in life.  My favorite verse usually depends on where I'm at or what I'm going through in life at that particular moment.  I'm sure that is true for many.  But instead of having a 'life verse' I guess maybe I just have 'Scripture Focus'.  Right now Romans 12:1-3 is my Scripture Focus.   

I also plan to use it with the boys as well.  Reciting and memorizing it together and using it for copywork.