A Proverbs 31 Woman WannabeA Proverbs 31 Woman WannabeA Christian blog for all those needing their spiritual batteries recharged. We welcome all and love all with true agape love. Articles
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... More About: Finals , Feeling
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 ... More About: Epiphany , Provision
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... More About: Body , Cancer , Fighting , The Body
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... More About: Giving , Generous
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 More About: Happy Birthday
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 More About: Funny , Moms
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... More About: Fishing
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 More About: Family , Time , Vacation
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... More About: Update
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... More About: Knowing
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... More About: Lesson
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 ... More About: Part , The Passion
One Silly Meme
2008-03-19 20:53:00 I decided to participate in this meme, because it was easy and fast. I suppose if I wanted to get really creative, I could make it something to do with a Biblical parallel, but I just don't have the energy or focus today to do so. (I'm biblically focused today, just not on writing.) So, Robyn over at Overflowing Grace, here you go. I'm not going to tag anyone either, unless of course you want to participate. If you do want to participate and show me what your refridgerator looks like, feel free. Blessings to you all. (I plan to have something more biblically related tomorrow.)This is my refridgerator:There's pictures on it, my calendar (which is completely covered up, just about with things I am supposed to remember, like my books borrowed from the library, so we don't have to pay anymore fines), my meal planner for the week, and of course the top of it is used for storage, and for the bread to sit on. Not very organized, but what can I say, huh? What does yours look like?&nb... More About: Meme , Silly
Passion Week
2008-03-18 16:16:00 Here in the west, we celebrate this week as Passion Week . Sunday was the beginning of the week that led up to Christ's death and resurrection for all. Sunday was the day that we call Palm Sunday. It was the day that Jesus went into Jerusalem on a donkey, and the mulitudes went befor Him, crying Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord! And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed [them] in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. Matthew 21:8-9 KJVIt's hard for me to imagine that this event took place not even a week before a multitude would again come to Him, but this time, they would be coming against Him. That the multitude would be coming to see Him crucified. After Jesus entered Jerusalem, He entered the temple and cleanse...
Homeschooling Under Attack! and DOS
2008-03-10 17:01:00 Whether you are a proponent of homeschooling or not, you should be aware of something that has happened here in California recently, related to homeschooling. The reason you should be aware of it, and be worried about it, is that it's a fact that California sets the precedent for many other states with regard to laws and such. If a law is passed here, it is often copied in other states. The thing that is most disturbing to me, is not so much the homeschooling issue, as the fact that our rights as parents are being stripped! Here's the breakdown:Recently, a homeschooling family went to court, and was told that they could not homeschool their child, because it was harmful to the child's welfare for them to do so. That saddens me, for that family, but it gets worse. The three judges who heard this case then decided to apply their decision to all families that homeschool! The decision requires that all families that homeschool must have a parent that is credentialed to do so! That me... More About: Homeschooling , Attack
Wordless Wednesday- Sending Love to God
2008-03-05 17:41:00 Early Morning Bible Study time, from the perspective of a 6 year old. Those hearts are sending out love to God! Hallelujah for faith like a child! Subscribe in a reader More About: Love , Wednesday , Sending
Having Visions
2008-03-04 18:41:00 The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.--Helen Keller Do you like to day dream? Me too! I've always been a day dreamer. Ok, I've always been a dreamer, period. One of my favorite day dreams, until a few years ago, was what I would do if I won the lottery. Though I don't play the lottery anymore, there are times when I find myself continuing to day dream, and I have found, more often than not, that when I day dream, I am dreaming about something I don't have. Sad, huh? But I don't think that's what Helen Keller was talking about.We can have day dreams, there's nothing wrong with it, in principal, it's what you're dreaming about that you need to evaluate. For instance, in today's Christian culture, we find many televangelists talking about visualizing good health, more wealth, and prosperity. I have issue with that. I don't think it's wrong to want better health, to have better financial means, or to want to be prosperous, so long as the reason... More About: Vision , Visions
Happy 6th Birthday, Aniston
2008-03-01 22:29:00 Today is Aniston's 6th Birthday ! She was born at 11:58 pm on March 1st, 2002. She was born 4 1/2 weeks early, but she was a healthy 6lbs 15.5 oz. Happy Birthday, My Little "Fashion Girl"!Mommy Loves You So Much!!! Subscribe in a reader
coram Deo
2008-02-28 22:41:00 Yes, that title is in Latin. No, I haven't gone and learned Latin on you. However, I did learn what this means recently. Would you like to know? It means essentially living in the face of God . Ok, what does that mean, you ask? It means living out our lives, each day, as though we are right in front of God's face.A Christ follower should already be doing this, but how often have you actually stopped to think about this? Are you living your life as though God is watching your every move, your every step, and your every action? He is, you know. What does He see?Because I am a sinner, I know that there are some things God sees in my life, that I'm sure He does NOT want to see. Though I do live my life each day, trying not to do these things. What kinds of things does God see in your life, that you think He wouldn't want to see?For me, these are just a few of the things that I am aware of, that I know He doesn't want to see. Sometimes, I am selfish. I think I deserve more than I'm ...
ARGGGHHH! I Did It Again!!!
2008-02-27 22:08:00 A few days ago, I wrote a post that was not intended to be a debate in any form. It was only intended to share information, and to maybe get people to ask questions too, in the hopes that they would look to God for the answers. Unfortunately, I slipped again, and in engaging a person in the comments, I ended up "casting pearls before swine." Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. Matthew 7:6 KJVIn my zeal to share my love of God, and defend my faith, I find that I do this much more often than I would like. And, for that matter, much more often than God would like. I guess I still have a long way to go in this matter. So I will be meditating on these Scriptures for awhile, and praying before I respond for even longer. :) He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked [man getteth] himself a blot.Proverbs 9:7 KJVReprove not a sc...
Only By Prayer and Fasting
2008-02-26 20:24:00 So He said to them, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting." Mark 9:29 NKJV This verse is the response of Jesus Christ, when he was asked by His disciples, why they were not able to cast out the demon that posessed the mute boy that also had seizures, as a result of this demon. Nine of Jesus' disciples were left behind, while Jesus, Peter, James and John were on the mountaintop. When the multitude came upon them, while Jesus was away, they were unable to cast out his demon. After He had done so, they were confused about why they were unable to cast it out, as He had given them the power to do so. Here Jesus explains that only through prayer and fasting can "this kind" be cast out.Now, lest you think that "this kind" is referring to the demon, I want to be sure to inform you, that this is not the case. Though, surely, prayer and fasting may be necessary in order to cast out demons, Jesus here is talking about the disciples' lack of faith. The reason that th... More About: Prayer , Fasting
Why It Matters (More Than You Realize)
2008-02-22 23:53:00 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Ephesians 5:2 NKJVWhy what matters???? Well your attitude, or better yet, my attitude, of course. I've been out reading a bit the last couple days, and it seems that over and over again, I've been hit with the realization that my attitude has not been the best it could be, and I can change it. And more importantly, that I should.There have been a myriad of things that have occurred that I have allowed to cloud my rosy outlook and to dim my light as it were. The Light that only God provides to us. You see, by showing crummy attitudes, even to only those that are closest to us, we are being crummy lights to the recipients of our demeanor."For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. Mark 9:49 NKJVOk, Shalene, what are you saying??? You ask? Well, basically, I'm saying that though we should not try to be fa... More About: Matters
Just The Facts On Evolution
2008-02-21 17:51:00 So you say you don't believe in creationism. You only believe in evolution. You believe that Darwin 's theory of evolution is the only plausible way that life could have been formed. I can understand that. After all, it's what you've always been taught. However, I'd like to challenge you to answer these questions, and let me know if you have the answers, and if not, perhaps you can give me the answer that does work. (I'm sure that I already know the answer, but I want to invite you to find it for yourself.) I welcome you to try to prove me wrong. So here are just the facts:If natural selection only works on the available variations of an organism, then how does an organism go from nothing to something? Darwin stated himself, in his book "The Origin of Species" that if natural selection does not work, as the basis of life, then his entire theory would have to be trashed.If information is needed for proteins and amino acids to group together into a cell, then where did the inform... More About: Facts , Evolution
Appointed Ambassador
2008-02-08 18:04:00 Ambassador: 1. dimplomatic representative; a diplomatic official of the highest rank sent by one country as its long-term representative to another 2. official representative; an official representative of an organization or movement 3. unofficial representative; somebody or something regarded as an unofficial representative or a symbol of something (definition taken from the Encarta Dictionary: English)Did you know that you are an ambassador? That all Christians are ambassadors? Now I don't mean in the diplomatic sense, though I suppose it's possible to be one in that way as well. What I mean is in the official and unofficial sense. We are representatives of Christ.and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:19-20 NKJV (emphasis mine)What does that mean???? It means that not only are we to proclai... More About: Ambassador
Hmmm.....Tagged Again
More articles from this author:2008-02-04 18:12:00 Well it seems I've been tagged again, by my blogging/ cyber friend Robyn over at Overflowing Grace. This time I've been tagged for 6 random facts that are unimportant/ quirky or something else you don't already know about me. This is going to be difficult, I think, since I talk about myself so much, that I don't know if I can come up with six new ones. But I'm going to try. Here are the rules:The rules for this meme are: (1) Link to the person that tagged you. (2) Post the rules on your blog. (3) Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself. (4) Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs. (5) Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.Ok, here goes:1. I don't like children. Well, actually, I don't like the way most parents raise their children nowadays (is that really a word?). So I'm very selective of the children I allow at my house. I love my children, and I even like my children, but... More About: Tagged 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
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