A Proverbs 31 Woman Wannabe

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God is Always By Our Side
2009-02-02 20:50:00
Thank you, My Love, for posting this on your blog. I love this song, and every time I really need to know He's here, this song seems to come on the radio. I had to post it here too. I love you so much, and am so blessed that God has given you to me.To my other readers, this is Tenth Avenue North singing "By Your Side ." Subscribe in a reader
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Ministry in Sharing
2009-01-30 06:32:00
I don't write much here anymore, because God has shown me that this blog is not my calling right now, but I wanted to share with you something that God has told me that I am to do for the glory of His name. I knew back when I started recovery for what I went through this past summer, that God would use my experiences to help others. I just didn't know how or when. Well, now I know. I was asked to share my testimony on video for the Women's Retreat coming up in March, and while much of the details are absent, the point is not in the details, but in Who and What got me through it, and why I am so much more at peace today than I was 6 months ago. (And my husband as well.) So, while I don't know what this will look like on video, here is the text of My Testimony concerning healing from infidelity and tuning the Lord out.For as long as I can remember, chaos has been my ?normal.? I grew up in a severely dysfunctional family, replete with abuse of every sort. As a result, my brain has ...
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Upcoming "News"
2009-01-03 07:15:00
I have a number of things that I'm working on for this blog, and hope to have something coalesce here shortly, but until then, I just wanted to share something that my husband stumbled upon the other day, and was hoping that others would look into it, and give their thoughts on it. I haven't fully investigated it yet, so please, no debating me on it, I don't even know enough about it to debate it. Just your thoughts please. Be blessed!Here is the link to the "Bible Wheel" I especially was intrigued by the "Probabilities" page. I pray that if it be God's will that we are edified by this information that we will be, and that if it is not information that is good, righteous and pure that we will be protected from it. Again, blessings to you all! Subscribe in a reader
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Eight Years Ago
2008-12-22 18:14:00
I've always loved Christmas.  It was the one time of year, when I was a child, that my family life seemed pretty much normal (whatever that is.)  Eight years ago, though, I got one of the best gifts I could have ever imagined.  I met my husband.  My husband and I went on our first date on Dec 16th, but though it went well, and we had a nice time, I told him that I didn't want to see him again because I wasn't looking for a relationship.  (He had expressed to my friend, that came along, that his goal in dating was to fall in love, get married, and have children.  This was about 10 minutes into our date, and it freaked me out a bit.)  So we ended our date with no plans to contact each other again.  He didn't even have  my phone number!  The next day though, he permeated my every thought.  I couldn't get him out of my head.  The way he looked, the way he looked at me, his personality, just everything about him.  I c...
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Color Me Beautiful Award
2008-11-21 07:32:00
I just wanted to thank Carol for her kind words and to first of all, "award" her in return. I think she deserves this award just as much, if not more than I do, and I don't care if she did create it. She deserves it. Next, I'd like to award my husband, Bobby, at Christian Humor, because he has stood by me when most would not have, and because he is just who the Lord knew I needed as my mate and partner for life. I love you, honey!! There are others that I would like to award too, but I just don't have enough space or time to type all of them out.  If you have written me words of encouragement, in the last 4 months, consider yourself awarded.  I love you all so much (even the ones that are visiting for the first time) I don't know what I'd do without my bloggy friends.  Blessings to you all!!!  God is good!!! Subscribe in a reader
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Out of Body Experiences
2008-11-18 06:37:00
Ok, I have to admit, before I go any further, that that title was just a hook. I guess my sense of humor is coming back. (I like to play practical jokes that don't harm anybody.) However, what I am going to write about it more "out of mind" experiences (and if you know me and my story, you'll find that statement humorous as well. But I digress.)I've learned something recently and that is how to be out of my mind, and love every minute of it. (Ok, maybe I wasn't done with the funnies, cause I can't stop giggling. I crack myself up.) Ok, what's the point really? It's this:A few months back, I saw a notice in the church bulletin about a class billed as "Learning Leadership." I thought to myself, "I'm a leader, and as far as I know I've never led anyone astray, despite all the wrong turns I make, so this looks interesting." I decided to take part. What I didn't know is that it is indeed a class that helps with leadership skills, but not in the manner that I had anti...
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Mask? No, Thank You.
2008-09-28 05:54:00
No, this post is not about Halloween, or participating in the "festivities" associated with it. This post is about being real. Many of you know that I've gone through some really hard times lately, and much of it was of my own making. However, what you don't know, is how much better I'm doing, now that I've taken my mask completely off. For the most part, I tried to be authentic and real, but when you get right down to the fact of the matter, I wasn't being nearly real enough. You see, I fell into that trap that so many Christians fall into. The one where we think we have to be somebody we aren't so that we can portray an image of "Christlikeness." The problem with that is, if we're portraying an image, then we are most definitely NOT being Christlike. I thank the Lord that He showed me the error of my ways. I've become so much healthier in the last few months than I ever dreamed I could be. And I have alot farther to go. My marriage and my family have been under...
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Flying Within Radar
2008-08-10 05:21:00
I've learned something the last couple days, and I have to give thanks to the Lord for what I've learned. Though I didn't learn a lot that I didn't already know, I did learn some different perspectives on things I did think I already knew. You see, I attended a leadership conference, because even if I am only ever a "mother" to my children, I am still a leader to someone. The fact that I will not always be "just" a mother, and the fact that I do in fact influence others pretty regularly, it was a tremendous benefit for me to learn these new perspectives.Frankly, it didn't matter to me what the denomination of these teachers were, and in fact I still don't know what all of them are. What mattered to me, is that they did teach some biblical truths, even amidst the stuff that is very useful even in the secular world. Among some of the best things I learned these past couple days was how to "light up the radar screen in heaven" with my prayers...For the eyes of the LORD run t...
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Announcing: The Full Length Video
2008-07-27 03:41:00
For those of you that are interested, the full length video for the California Missions Offering is now available for viewing. Unfortunately, I cannot post it here, as it's not posted anywhere on the web, except for on the CMO website. On the CMO website, it is available as the Music Video (which is the same as the trailer, I posted here before) and as 4 separate episodes that can be viewed individually. If you are interested and would like to see the full finished product, I invite you to check it out...Even if the only reason you check it out, is to see exactly why it is that California is such a hot place for Missions (no pun intended.) Here are the links...Episode 1 Episode 2Episode 3Episode 42008 CMO Music Video (same as the trailer seen previously) Congratulations to all the people involved in this project, and all glory to the Lord. May this year's offering be spectacular! If you happen to live in California, you may want to check to see if your church has received th...
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The Song that Speaks to Me
2008-07-26 00:23:00
I'm just checking in long enough to let you all know that I'm still working on my life, and more importantly, on my relationship with God. Spending significant time in His Word, and listening to music that glorifies Him. And of course, spending much more time than I had been, in prayer. The list would be never ending, if I told you all that I am praying for. :) I thank each of you that have shown compassion for my recent admission. You are what the Church is supposed to be. You are a blessing to me, and your love for a sister, is most certainly glorifying to Him. Thank you. Now, I have a song that is "my theme song" for now. I thought I'd share. Enjoy.NATALIE GRANT--I WILL NOT BE MOVEDBlessings to you all!!!There is no "MORE" to this post. Subscribe in a reader
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Moral Integrity In Question....
2008-07-16 23:02:00
Though I am a Christian, as the following poem states, this does not mean, by any stretch of the imagination that I am in any way perfect. WHEN I SAY, "I AM A CHRISTIAN"When I say, "I am a Christian"I'm not shouting, "I?ve been saved!"I'm whispering, "I get lost!That's why I chose this way"When I say, "I am a Christian"I don't speak with human prideI'm confessing that I stumble?Needing God to be my guideWhen I say, "I am a Christian"I'm not trying to be strongI'm professing that I'm weakAnd pray for strength to carry onWhen I say, "I am a Christian"I'm not bragging of successI'm admitting that I've failedAnd cannot ever pay the debtWhen I say, "I am a Christian"I don't think I know it allI submit to my confusionAsking humbly to be taughtWhen I say, "I am a Christian"I'm not claiming to be perfectMy flaws are all too visibleBut God believes I'm worth itWhen I say, "I am a Christian"I still feel the sting of painI have my share of heartache,Which is why I seek His nameWh...
More About: Question , Integrity , Moral

So Excited and I Just Can't Hide It....
2008-06-30 06:49:00
As an artistic type, it's very difficult, sometimes, to walk the fine line between giving God the glory for the talents I'm blessed with, and taking credit for using them to His glory. In spite of this, I am confident that I can share with you (and not cross that line) the trailer for the video that I was priveleged to be a part of... (Remember I told you about it about a month or so ago.) I hope you don't mind my sharing with all of you. It was just such a thrill to know that I would get to use the talents He blessed me with, when Daniel contacted me to play one of the lead characters. So, please humor me, while I show you the trailer.The video project (from which the trailer is taken) is for the California Mission Offering, which is a means to help support Missions in California. Now before you ask if there is such a large need for this, please do watch the video. Daniel Rhoten wrote the screenplay, and directed, edited and even did much of the footage. The original mu...
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Intolerant Christians
2008-06-21 17:04:00
There are those that believe that Christians , are bigots and prejudicial, because they are not accepting of homosexual behavior, as normal and morally acceptable. It is generally held that in order to not be considered bigoted and prejudicial, we must not only accept homosexuality as normal and natural, but must embrace it as well. It is not enough to simply be accepting and caring towards homosexuals- as people- we must also accept their sexual activity, without regard to what God's Word says on the subject. Having had this discussion more in depth than was initially intended, in the comment section of another post, I am now in a position to state fully what my position is, and what I feel is the position of fundamental Christianity as a whole. (This is my opinion only, and may or may not apply to all that identify as fundamental Christians.)I do not agree that acceptance of a behavior- any behavior- is necessary, in order to refrain from being a bigot or prejudicial. Nor do I thi...
More About: Judgement

Something to Think About...
2008-06-19 06:37:00
I first heard of Paul Washer, over on Sicarii's old blog (sorry no link, because that "old" site has been taken down), and recently have begun listening to his sermons with my husband. I highly recommend him, to anyone that is serious about their faith in the Lord, and especially for those that are not so serious about it. Here is a CliffNotes version of one of his most powerful sermons. If you'd like to hear "part two" of sermons by Paul Washer, check out my hubby's blog tomorrow (since I stole this video from him today.) Blessings to you...There is no "MORE" to this post. Subscribe in a reader

Sanctioned Stupidity
2008-06-11 21:17:00
I'm about to vent, and I've got to warn you, some of you may not agree with me, but I don't care. I'm extremely fired up about this, and this is one area where I CANNOT just sit back and be silent. Wanna know what's got me all riled up? I'll be happy to share: Bigotry! Bigotry in the name of religion, bigotry in the name of skin color, bigotry in the name of ethnicity, and bigotry in the name of race- simply put: bigotry in all its forms. Bigotry is one of the few things that I have absolutely NO tolerance or patience for; and frankly, it is one practice that I am passionately against. Bigotry has no place in God's creation, and it's time that Christians, and everyone else, remembered that! (I am aware that not all Christians are bigots, and that bigots do not originate only within the Christian culture; but unfortunately, bigotry does occur much more frequently within "Christian" culture than it ought to. Since this is a blog with primarily Christian readers, I wish to poin...
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Finals, Fevers, Flu and Feeling Frazzled
2008-06-06 00:12:00
Ever feel like life is conspiring against your every effort to have a relaxed day (much less more than just "a day")? That is my feeling lately, especially the last two days. You see, it's the end of the school year, here, and having my daughter schooled through the California Virtual Academy means that one, I have to be sure she stays caught up- and when she isn't, making sure she gets caught up; and two, that she has time to study for her finals, so that we can show that having her home has been a good decision- beneficial for her grades and study habits. What that means is that I'm spending significantly more time looking into her lessons, in order to try to help her study and understand each subject. I'd really like to know: Can anyone explain to me what the value of learning what the figurative language means in poetry, has for adulthood? I'm serious. If you can tell me a valid use for this knowledge, for the average person (not including teachers- English or otherwi...
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On The FlipSide....
2008-06-01 00:34:00
And here we are...on the flip side of my semi-long absence. Did you think I was gone for good? Well, hopefully, you are happy when I say, "No, I'm not gone for good." There have been things going on, that have required more of my attention, lately, than before, and so I just haven't had the time to come and say hello to you. I've missed you all though!! So now, I'll attempt to catch you up.Some of you know that we recently made contact with my eldest daughter's father, and that she was going to be meeting him soon thereafter. The first meeting took place, and was just a bit awkward- certainly not a "Hallmark moment" that you see on TV when long lost parents meet their children- but not because of any lack of desire to reunite on either of their parts. It was just plain weird. No one knew what to talk about really- though Mercedes and he had spoken on the phone a number of times before the meeting took place- and well, what adult man really knows what to say to a teenage girl- e...

Epiphany!!
2008-05-08 18:30:00
Have you ever had one of those moments where you thought you understood something, fairly well, only to realize in that split second moment, that NOW you TRULY understood? Well, I had one of these recently. I've been reading a book by John Piper, entitled "Don't Waste Your Life!" and while I was aware of him as a pastor, I was not aware that he was an author, or that his writing was so inspirational and even educational. It was while I was reading this book, and studying the doctrine of tithes and offerings, and how it applies to New Testament Christians, that I had my epiphany moment. You see, I always thought I pretty firm grasp of what the Bible meant when it said "the Lord will provide for your needs". I was fully cognizant of the fact that what I think I need, and what God knows I need are not necessarily the same thing. (To be completely honest, they are probably rarely the same thing. I am a mere fleshly human, after all.) In the very first chapters of this book, it ...
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Fighting Cancer In The Body
2008-05-06 18:01:00
The Lord is marvelous in His workings in the lives of every believer, especially when we obey and listen to the "still, small voice" that He has provided for us. In His infinite wisdom, He has also provided us with a means of learning, for ourselves, exactly what He wants, and expects us to know. His Holy Bible is His instruction manual for our lives, and He expects us to search out Scripture, and to test everything that we are taught by men, in relation to His Word. Regardless of how much schooling- or experience the teacher or pastor has, it is essential that we test everything against His Word. It is with this thought in mind that I am amazed to learn first- hand that someone in a position of "authority" within a church, is teaching doctrine that is not pure. Though I am aware that it happens, it is still shocking and sickening to see it with my own two eyes, and hear it with my own two ears. What is even worse yet, is when those in this position will not accept the correct...
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A Happy Ending...Or Is It the Beginning?
2008-05-03 04:03:00
This is going to be a difficult post, and one that may not be suitable for young readers, so please read it for yourself, before allowing any of your young ones to read it. Now that I am an adult with children of my own, and faith in a God with high moral standards, I can look back across the span of time and see so many things I ought not to have done, and should have paid a lot more dearly for. Some of them are still effecting me to this day. One such event is the pregnancy and birth of my first daughter.You see, I did not grow up in an atmosphere that frowned upon sex outside of marriage, and in fact, it was (for adults) perfectly acceptable, and the norm. So it's not surprising that I was, what some would term promiscuous as a 18 year old young woman. Let me tell you some of the story.It was a few days before my 18th birthday, and I didn't have a boyfriend, but I did have a good friend that used to be my boyfriend, that I still very much thought I had feelings for. So I ...
More About: Change , Happy , Ending

Joyful and Generous Giving
2008-04-30 17:53:00
How many of you tithe to your church? I would be willing to bet (if I were a betting woman) that very few, if any of you, (and I include myself in this statement) tithe biblically. I know, I know, this is an awfully bold statement for me to make, but I'll explain. As many of you may know, tithing is an Old Testament law, that the Israelites were to keep. There are some that teach that we as Christians are to do this as well. If we were to do it in the biblical sense, I would wholeheartedly agree.Anytime, in the Old Testament, when a tithe is mentioned, it is in reference to food. That's right, food, not money. And the person (or family) bringing the tithe was to eat it, after they had offered it. That's right!!! The tithe was to be eaten by the family that offered it, as well as giving some to the priests, and sharing their bounty with others that may not have had food of their own. It was to be a time of celebration and merriment, surrounded by a bounty of food and fel...
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Misinterpreting the Creeds
2008-04-22 04:28:00
I was recently made aware that there may be many of the Roman Catholic faith, that believe that the Catholic church is the "Church" as it was from the beginning. I was very curious where this viewpoint could have come from, as the bible does not give any indication that there was a Pope, or that anyone was told that they were to pray to saints and the Virgin Mary for intercession. In fact, in God's Holy Word, it says just the opposite. It states very clearly that Jesus is the only Mediator, (see 1 Timothy 2:5 and Romans 8:34, just for two such instances) and that we are to have no false idols. Now, as you know, I like to play detective, so I just had to find out where this mindset could have come from, if not from the Bible itself. I found it. There are 3 (or 4, depending on who you ask) ancient creeds that the early church recognized as belief statements for the early church. One is the Apostles Creed, another is the Nicene Creed, the third is the Athanasian Creed, and the ...

Happy Birthday, My Love
2008-04-17 21:54:00
My Love , on this day, 41 years ago, you were born. You were born to be my life partner, my other half of one flesh. I am so thankful that the Lord saw fit to bring us together, and I pray that your day is so very blessed today, and every day. I love you so much!!Dear Readers, if you know this wonderful hunk of a man, that I call "husband" do hop on over and wish him a Happy Birthday . :) Blessings to you! Subscribe in a reader
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Something Funny for All The Moms
2008-04-15 19:29:00
This is Anita Renfroe singing "MomSense" to the "William Tell Overture", and it is sooooo funny. I saw her at the Women of Faith Conference and I just had to share.And not to be outdone, there is one for dad's too, called "Dadsense". Here it is for your viewing pleasure. Subscribe in a reader
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Gone Fishing
2008-04-14 16:08:00
Ok, so I was gone a little longer than a week. What can I say, huh? Life happens. :) I have had the most wonderful couple of weeks! On the 2nd, I told you that we were going on vacation to Universal Studios and Disneyland. We had so much fun, and it was great to spend time together as a family with no work, no schoolwork, no cleaning, and all that stuff! Our biggest decision was what park to go to, and what rides to ride when we got there. We did end up going to Knott's Berry Farm instead of Disneyland for a second day, though, and that was a good decision. We stayed in a hotel on the beach, and had the greatest view of the sunset on the nights we were back before sundown! Watching the sun go down, with the ocean in the foreground from our hotel room was just so amazing! Each time, I just had to take pictures because the glory of His creation was too much not to do so. Here's just a sampling of the pictures I got from our hotel room. That's the Channel Islands you s...
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Family Vacation Time
2008-04-03 01:51:00
Hello All,I just wanted you all to know that I'll be gone for the next week. Hubby, the family and I are ALL going to Disneyland and Universal Studios for a week. We'll be having some much needed family togetherness time, and we pray your week will be blessed as well. I just wanted you to know, so that you wouldn't be concerned, when I didn't post anything while we're gone. (I'm not taking my computer.) Blessings to all of you!There is no "MORE" to this post.Photo courtesy of Mastery of Maps Subscribe in a reader
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Homeschooling Update
2008-03-29 18:34:00
I wanted to take a moment to update all my readers of what is happening with the homeschooling situation in California. Thanks to all the prayers and active participation of many homeschooling families and organizations, the California Court of Appeals has agreed to re-hear the case regarding homeschooling! Hallelujah!! Thank you all for your prayers. Below is an excerpt from the newsletter that I received from Advocates for Faith and Freedom detailing the status as of now.California Court of Appeals Agrees to Re-Hear Case Regarding Homeschooling As a result of the prayers of Christians from all across the Nation, the California court of appeals will re-hear its February 28, 2008, ruling stating that a family enrolled at Sunland Christian School, a private homeschooling program, could be criminally liable under California law for choosing to educate their children at home. The ruling further stated that a teaching credential is required in order for parents to educate their chi...
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Knowing the Word of God
2008-03-26 17:11:00
"Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. Joshua 1:7 NKJV (emphasis mine) I was listening to a sermon by Dr David Jeremiah on Turning Point last night, and was struck anew as to the importance of knowing the Word of God. Over and over again in this first chapter of Joshua, God instructs Joshua to know the Word, and all His commands, so that he keeps them all his days, and never strays from them.Not only does God instruct Joshua to know the Word of God, so that he does not stray, but He also instructs him to always speak of it, no matter the circumstance. "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." Joshua 1:8...
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An Odd Lesson
2008-03-24 17:27:00
When I was fifteen, I went to a school that required me to ride the school bus for about an hour each way. During my bus ride, in my sophomore year, I learned that my bus driver was also a magician/ clown on the side. (Though he would have preferred that it be his major source of income, it just wasn't reliable and consistent enough to support his family.) I became interested in what he did, and as it turned out, he needed an assistant. His wife was usually his assisant, but she also did shows on her own, occasionally, so whenever she wasn't available, I got the assignment.I learned many lessons from that job, though I didn't really realize their significance at the time. Here's what I learned.Put on a happy face. I learned that even when I wasn't in a good mood, I could make others happy, and myself as well, if I would just "paint" on a happy face. Doing my best to make others smile was very rewarding. I think that more often than not, we allow ourselves to wallow in t...
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The Passion Week Part 2
2008-03-21 16:30:00
As I stated in my earlier post regarding the Passion Week , this week is the time of year, when we in the West, celebrate Christ's death and resurrection. That is the sole purpose of this week. It is not to hunt "Easter eggs" and wait for the "Easter bunny." These things have nothing to do with the reason for the season. Christ's death and resurrection, and the salvation of us all, is the reason for this season.So what happened next, in the week? I left you with thoughts of Thursday. Let's continue from there. Many things happened on Thursday. One was the last supper, in which Jesus foretells of His betrayal. During the last supper, some of the disciples fought amongst themselves, as to who would be the greatest among them. Jesus explained to them that in order for them to be considered great in any capacity they had to be servants. (Remember, it was during this supper that Jesus washed the feet of each of the disciples, as a servant would. This was to remind us that we are to be ...
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