Life in a bubble

Yes, I grew up in a bubble. You know, the kind homeschoolers are accused of raising their kids in. We were sheltered as much as possible from harmful influences. We dressed differently, we didn't go to movies (still do and still don't) among other things. My mom was ridiculed by her peers for her "protecting" us. They all probably thought that I would grow up to be the first Baptist nun!
We were thought to be legalists, like others we knew. I am sure they thought that I'd rebel against the oppression and when I had the chance, I'd leave behind all their "rules"

So, how did I turn out? Let me tell you. First, I never did rebel against my folks. I married at 20, happily so, pure, chaste. My husband is a missionary, a faithful servant of God. I don't rebel against him either. He is extremely grateful to my folks for having protected me. He likes knowing that he is my one-and-only. My convictions are the same I grew up with, but they became mine long ago, way before I married and left home. He loves my modest clothing, knowing that my body is his alone.

We have 2 beautiful children, tender-hearted towards God.
My 10 year old daughter has the same convictions I do, and they are hers by her own desicions. We tell her what to do, then we tell her the why behind it. She gets it. She serves God in many ways here in our Church. We protect her in the same ways I was protected. We love her and she loves us. We are preparing her for the day when she will want a husband and home of her own.

Our son is still small, but we will try to instill godly manhood in him. We will teach him to be pure, same as his sister. No double standards here, thank you very much.

This bubble is a good place, its called home. We've got a mutual-admiration society going on here. There is no tension, no rebellion here. I love him, he loves me, we love the kids. Its so sweet, you could get a tooth ache! All kidding aside, life is good.

People may criticize living a sheltered life. Since when is shelter a bad thing? Do you want to sleep outside in the cold of winter? No, you seek shelter. Women have told me they wished they had lived the life I had.

Sheltered, loved.

Guy Bloggers

Every once in a while, I'll surf over to a blog written by a guy, usually from a link on some blog I like and respect. I am always amazed at the differences between a chick-blog and a dude-blog.
Us gals are, as usual, relationship-oriented. We blog about our friends and families and God and how they all relate. We blog about good food and swap birth stories. We blog about our homes or our dream homes and how we are going to keep them clean and organized. And decorated.
We know who Flylady is and Mrs. Catharine and Candy. We discuss child-rearing. And while we may have our differences, we try really hard not to hurt one another's feelings.

Men, on the other hand like to talk doctrine or lack thereof, dispensationalism, hyper- Calvinism, armenianism and a whole bunch of words that I really don't know.(I go to Church, not Seminary) They are masters of the run-on sentence. They debate and disagree. You know what? They enjoy it! Their feelings don't get hurt when someone disagrees with them!

Now, Biblical doctrine is important to me, but I don't really want to blog about it exclusively. And I believe that all the girl talk we do is important and it is Biblical in that we are encouraging one another in the roles of wife and mother and sister in Christ that we are supposed to be.

Well, I read a while, then I quickly return to my own little blogsphere. I like it here.
R

For my fellow IFBers

Is this true in your life?First of all, I would like to say that I love God, that I am grateful for the Salvation provided for me by the shedding of blood of the Sacrificial Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. I realize that this Salvation is a gift, undeserved by anyone, yet given freely and sufficient for ALL.

God has seen fit to allow us to choose how and where we serve Him, and we have chosen to be Baptists. This is something that our parents could not impose upon us through infant baptism.
It is our choice, freely made, hopefully by the study of Scripture and the convicting of the Spirit of God.

As I said before, I cringe when I read or hear IBFer criticized and I feel even worse when the attacks are somewhat valid. So here are a few things that I propose will help us show the true nature of a Baptist.

1. We are a zealous group! We hate anything that comes near being sin. That is good, but sometimes that makes us seem unloving towards those who disagree. We must learn that loving kindness , meekness, and courtesy must always be included in our actions. If in being zealous, we become hateful, we are wrong.

2. We must be consistent in our behaviour. Especially inside our homes. If you want to influence others, there is no better advertisement than the attitudes of your children. Believe me, people can pick up on "bad vibes" from your kids, no matter how well-behaved they might be. Continue reading your Bible everyday, then put it into practice!

3. Smile more! Love your enemies! (BTW, liberals are not our enemies) Don't fight with the brethren in your own Church. Fight sin and the flesh, not people. If you can fight sin in your own life and win, you will be a better testimony to the saved and unsaved alike.

4. Avoid correcting others. There are people in my world who I must correct occasionaly like my kids and the ladies and girls in my Church, and that is because I am the Pastor's wife and the "aged woman" in my congregation. But if everybody started correcting everybody else, chaos would reign. If you see a problem in someone else, take it to God and ask for wisdom.

Just a few thoughts, feel free to add more.

Blessings and Joy to you.
R

Critiques of the IFB

I have been blogsurfing. Dangerous, I know. I have read some good stuff and some I find insulting. Me thinks one should be careful when making sweeping statements about IFBers, because as IFBes we are Independent. As is "not all the same". I was sad to realize that some of the criticism was valid for some IBFers.

We are often faced with paradoxes. For example, we tell our children they need to be disciplined and read the Bible everyday. Often the discipline of something precedes the feelings.
New Christians do not always feel like reading the Bible everyday, so we encourage them to establish a habit, with the hopes that they will learn to glean from the Scriptures and enjoy their time alone with God. The Bible says that the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. That is why we encourage "rules" and "convictions". Not because of legalism. The flesh must be fought, daily. We give the little ones and the new ones tools and we help them. But we are criticized, told that we are following and promoting legalistic rules that have not real spiritual value.

God wants us to spend time with Him. It may take a while to get into the habit. Don't you need a reminder for things, even important things that you really want to do? Thats not legalism.

In short, you can read the Bible, and not be a good Christian, but you cannot be good Christian without reading the Bible. Often, regularly. Period.


R

Friends, real friends

This week I had the privilege of seeing two friends that I had not seen in over ten years.
Honestly, I had given up hope of ever seeing them again, this side of Heaven. What a Joy! We laughed over the past and are looking forward to the future. We're hoping to cruise together in 2008. A girl can dream, can't she?

I can truly say that I enjoy solitude. I rarely get it, but I enjoy it. Also, I have few friends. Well, I have a ton of regular friends. I know many, many people. I like a lot of people, but friends are few and far between. You know the kind.

As I sit here and blog, I am listening to the Old Fashioned Christian Radio. I love it!! Just another reason to stay in front of the computer. Music is so powerful. I feel like Anne of Green Gables, when I hear this good music, its like feeling a prayer. Makes me want to get all weepy and teary. Thank you Tori. One of the drawbacks of being where I am is that I do not get to sing in a regular choir. If you sing in your Church choir, I envy you. So I sit in front of the computer and sing!

Thank you God for my friends

R

Where does one get creativity?

I have been interested in participating in Works for me Wednesday for some time now. But what works for me?

I have been racking my brain and I am coming up blank, totally blank.

So, to where must one go to find some useful creativity? I am hopelessly uncreative. I search the internet, but you're all already there!

Maybe someday I'll come up with something cool.

Until then............

R

Comments on my last two posts

First of all, I would like to thank all who commented on the last two posts. Thank you, Sister Julie, for your candor. God is good!

Thanks also to Terri for commenting. I am trying very hard not to come across as judgemental or know-it-allish about other people's situations. I, too have been blessed reading Janet's Journal. I have gained great insight from her.

I have been comforted by all of you, and encouraged in the difficult choices I have made. There is a great responsability when someone comes to you for counsel. It is so hard sometimes not to mix the wisdom of the world with the Truth of God. God's way is not always the "easy" way, but its always the best way.

Also, God expects more from those who know more. He expects someone who knows better to act better. Choices we made before we were saved are quite different from those we make now, knowing full well what God thinks. What's done is done, and God can fix anything. But what must be done, must be done.

I covet your prayers on behalf of these, my sisters in Christ.
R

Another horror story

It seems that everyone who comes to our Church has their own personal horror story.
I could tell you several, but that would only serve to break your heart and give you a sour stomach all day.

But continuing my previous post, I will share Case Number Three. This lady has been supporting her lazy husband for the past 19 years. He is an unreasonable, "dense" man. They have four beautiful children. The wife is my right-hand gal at church, their son is my husbands right-hand guy. Their middle daughter is one of Eileen's best friends. After this lady got saved last year, she quickly caught on to the fact that her family wasn't functioning properly because she had taken control. She eased out of her job and is learning to let go of control.

Her husband is still hateful and unreasonable. Still occasionally threatens her life. Still stays out all night every once in a while. But her attitude is incredible. She says very little about her suffering, and I know she is suffering. Her kids are not as quiet about it as she is. She tells me privately that she is praying for a miracle, and she will trust the Lord to protect her. While they have very little money, she is thrilled to be a SAHM and raise her little ones instead of kicking the husband out (deservedly) and going to work herself.

Does God condone violence? No. Does he condone divorce? He desires families to stay together.
What does He want us to do? I'm not sure, but I'm leaning toward trusting God to perform a miracle inspite of horrible circumstances, crying out to God for protection and deliverance.

R

I am at a loss.......

Normally an opinionated person, I am seldom at a loss for an opinion. Here's the deal, I have had, in the past two years, two situations come up in our Church involving spouse abuse. I am appalled by abuse and thankfully have never had to endure it, although my husband's parents were abusive to each other.

I believed and believe to this day that God does not expect a woman to endure abuse from her spouse, and when these women left their husbands, I helped them. They both had complained that their husbands prevented them from being faithful to God, and once free of them, they would attend faithfully and raise their children in a godly way.

The odd thing is that this never happened. In Case Number One, the mother had to get a full-time job. She had to leave her four teen aged children home alone after school until 7:30 or 8 everynight. She comes to Church 2 or 3 times a month and looks terrible. There have been rumors that she was "seeing" a young man, 10 years her junior. I actually ran into them at a restaurant. She is farther than ever from God, and has given up on her precious children. They come to Church if they want to. The girls come but the boys attendance has become sporadic at best.

Case Number Two is more recent. The husband is indeed terrible, more verbally than physically abusive, although I know that its still terrible. The husband is now gone, having been evicted by the wife. Is she any better off? No. Her oldest girl is going through a time of dangerous rebellion.She has no energy or time to deal with her. The girl has been photographed by a "friend" in a suggestive way, and had the photos posted on a local forum. There is no dad, even a bad one to fight for his daughter's honor. The three kids have been sick. Every time I see her, she looks like she's about to burst into tears. Is she any better off? Not that I can see.
Her kids are doing a lousy job of raising themselves.

So then I read CTTHH again, and I've read blogs that blast the Pearls for their position on spouse abuse. And I am coming to an unpopular conclusion. Spouse abuse is bad, but separation hasn't seemed to be helpful. I will think twice before sanctioning separation, even if there is abuse. There must be a better way. Oh Lord! What do You want us to do? What can we tell these distraught daughters of Yours? Surely You have provided a way for them? Can God change an abusive husband? Is there hope aside from separation?

A song from my childhood

As you know, I am not an artistic person. I am very much a non-emotional, black-and-white type. But I do have an emotional side. Most of my "touchy-feely" side manifests itself through music. I have many many songs that I learned as a kid, that pop up from time to time. Here's one that I feel is very relevant to our day and age. Sorry about the capitals, I just copied and pasted.



PITY THE MAN
I GUESS WE SHOULD PITY, THOSE IN THE WORLD
WHO MUST USE THE EARTH FOR A BED.
I GUESS WE SHOULD PITY,
THE MAN WHO MUST TOILFROM DAWN TILL DUSK FOR HIS BREAD.
BUT THESE CAN BE RICH, IF THEY HAVE CONTENTMENT
AND SHARE IN GOD'S SALVATION PLAN.
BUT IF YOU KNOW ANY, WHO THO THEY HAVE PLENTY
ARE LOST THEN PITY THAT MAN.

I GUESS THERE ARE THOSE, WHO PITY THE SAVED,
AS THO THEY'RE MISSING LIFE'S BEST;
FORGETTING THAT TREASURES OF EARTH PASS AWAY
AND HEAVEN'S THE PLACE TO INVEST.
MEANWHILE ESTEEMING, THE MAN WHO IS SCHEMING
TO HOLD ALL THE WEALTH THAT HE CAN.
BUT IF HE'S NOT GIVING, TO GOD WHILE HE'S LIVING
HIS SOUL THEN PITY THAT MAN.

CHORUS
PITY THE MAN WHO HAS TREASURES TO HOLD,
AND OWNS NOT THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE.
PITY THE MAN THO HE LIVE LONG ON EARTH
IF HE KNOWS NOT THE GIVER OF LIFE,
DOCTOR OR LAWYER, TRAVELER OR MERCHANT
THE BUILDER WHO BUILDS ON THE SAND
PAUPER OR KING, TO BE SAVED IS THE THING
IF HE'S LOST THEN PITY THAT MAN.


R

My favorite magazine

Since most of us appreciate our past and our heritage, I know the you will enjoy this magazine. (If you don't already) Its Reminisce Magazine and I love it! True stories of the past, told by those who lived them.

Their slogan is "History is like a grammar lesson, the present is tense and the past is perfect!"

Not only are the stories good, but there are recipes too.
Good ones.



R

A time to break down....

the old Church building, that is. If you'll scroll down a few post you'll see our former Church building. And here the guys are tearing it down! There really is a time for tearing down and it is wonderful. They have been working hard and we will have a mess for a good long while. That doesn't matter because this all means that we will be in our new building soon. Please pray that we will have enough money to finish.

Blessings

Rhonda

You Are: 30% Dog, 70% Cat

You and cats have a lot in common. You're both smart and in charge - with a good amount of attitude. However, you do have a very playful side that occasionally comes out!

Are You More Cat or Dog?

The importance of selfless giving, continued

When Mary Ingalls lost her sight, Laura got another job besides teaching. Pa told her that she must be Mary's eyes. So Laura began describing everything around her all the time, for Mary's sake.
I wonder if that ever became tiresome? Sometimes I tire of endless questions and comments from my young ones and desire just to be quiet.

Well, here is the interesting part. I believe that Laura became such a good writer because she was able express herself so well and describe things in such a "seeable" way. Seems that all those hours "seeing" for Mary paid off handsomely in the future. I'm sure she wasn't thinking about becoming an authoress during their long walks on the prairie, but God is faithful. You DO reap what you sow.

Doing selfless acts often brings its own rewards. Sometimes the rewards come quickly, especially the reward of a heart full of love toward God. Sometimes it takes years. But God is faithful. The wisdom of the world says "No good deed goes unpunished" Ha. I am glad I am not of this world!

Here is God's plan for His children:

Ephesians 2:10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (italics mine)


Blessings and Joy to you all

R

The importance of selfless giving.

As a Prairie Muffin, I know that I am not to idolize Laura Ingalls. However, there are many things about her life story that can be wonderful lessons for us.

The Ingalls taught their girls to be selfless. When Mary went blind, everything changed for their family. Laura was expected to teach, an idea she found distasteful. But teach she did. She taught several terms, often under difficult circumstances. Then, when she was paid, she handed her money over to Pa, for Mary's college fund.

To most people today, this would seem totally unfair. Why should I do something I do not want to do, for someone else's benefit? How unfair is that?

Mary did go to a school for the blind for seven years. She learned many things that allowed her to lead a somewhat productive life and also make friends. After college, she came home, never to leave again. She lived with Ma for the rest of her life.

Was Laura bitter about the years she spent working for her sister's education? I think not. I believe she was trained to do the selfless thing, and all benefitted from it.

Selflessness is not a natural thing. Most of us are extremely selfish. Selflessness must be taught, instilled in the hearts of little ones.

When I figure out how to do that, I'll let you know; )

R

The Death of Common Sense

I read this just now, over at Highlights from Higher Ground.

It has been said that there is no Common Sense, but only Good Sense, which is not so common.



R

Bloom where you are planted

I heard this expression a lot growing up. And you know what? It's still great advice. There is so much in my life that I cannot change. So many women I know like to try to change things in their life, their husbands, their children, their in-laws, their surroundings. Some even try to change their Pastor or his wife. Many times we get the idea that we cannot be happy or contented unless things change. That is a big lie.

What I know is that I can be happy now. Not just "OK", but happy. And I can thrive. I can blossom even in the face of adversity. My happiness does not depend on my house, thank the Lord. My hapiness does not come from anyone here on earth. I am thankful for that because most people here on earth will let you down. But not God. He wants me to bloom wherever I am planted, and He gives me the ability to do so.

R

Just testing

Here I go, Mrs.B

I did it! Woo Hoo!

Thank you, my friend!

R

Blogging

I just read a post at Mrs. B's about blogging, and if I knew how to link to a specific post, I would link to that one.

I've gone to all extremes. I once saw a movie years ago about a robot who always wanted "input" I, too, feel the need for "input", new info. I like feeling globally connected. I like knowing that there are others like me, struggling like me. Its nice to know that others have gained victory over their faults and shortcomings. I like knowing I have a friend in England, and a friend in Croatia and a friend in Canada, plus all over the Good Ole USA.

What I try to do (usually) is to have certain "checkpoints". If my blogging makes me be a better housekeeper than yesterday, than that's a green light. If I am falling behind on daily tasks, then I know I need to cut back. Blogging has been good for me and I am thankful. I am doing better than before. And I have all of you to thank for it.

More later when the house is clean.........
R

Southwestern Eggrolls

Here's the recipe I use, but we triple it!

1 chicken breast fillet, grilled and chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons minced red bell pepper
2 tablespoons minced green onion 1/3 cup frozen corn
1/4 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons diced, canned jalapeno peppers
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Dash cayenne pepper
3/4 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese5
(7-inch) flour tortillas

Saute onions and peppers in oil, add corn, beans seasonings, cook 4 minutes,take off heat and add chicken and cheese.
Roll into tortillas, sealing the ends.
seal with a toothpick and fry

We like to make a pineapple-pepper dipping sauce made with finely chopped roasted red pepper, 4 Tbls taco sauce, crushed pineapple and mayonnaise, all processed together and chilled. MMMM good!

So, what's Chile like?

I am sooooo glad you asked! Most Americans have no clue about Chile. Not to worry, I am an expert, having lived here 23 years.
Chile is as far south of the equator as California is north of the equator. So, take California, invert it, and stretch it out, and you have Chile. Being in the southern hemisphere, our seasons are reversed. As most of you talk of the sweltering heat, we are freezing! The north of Chile has the driest desert in the world, the Atacama. Santiago, the capital, is about in the middle. It has 5 million inhabitants and is a modern city with all the conviences, malls, restaurants, smog. I lived here for 10 years.
The South of Chile is more like northern California with forests and rain. We also have a number of volcanoes. This one here is the Villarica and is the one closest to our home. And yes, it is active!
Two years after the Preacher and I got married, we moved to a small farming community
called Lanco. Most everyone here lives in a very old-fashioned way. I am just about the only lady here who does not cook on a wood-fired cookstove. Almost everyone has a bathroom and almost everyone has electricity. Most women bake their own bread. Everyone here is a catholic by birth, and know very little about their religion. They baptize their babies, and have them do their first communion. They go to church on Palm Sunday, and maybe Easter.

Our work is slow-going. One must understand that they need to be saved before they can be saved, so our first order of business is to get them "lost". Then we can show them salvation through Jesus Christ. This process may take several weeks to several months.

This is a paradoxical society. On the surface, you think its male-dominated, like other latin cultures. Truth is, the women are in charge here, after the kids, of course. Everything here revolves around giving the kids what they want, when they want. Very confusing.

One interesting note. There is no Mexican food here. No spicy food. No tortillas. Most Americans think that all Latin America is a continuation of Mexico. Not so. If I want mexican, I have to make it myself. We do, however, have Chinese food. Go figure!

Please pray for the work here in Lanco.
Thanks
Rhonda

A busy week

I haven't blogged much this week because we have been busy. I told you we were having company and they just left last night. I am tired, and I'm sure they are too!

This week the Preacher is tearing down this house that has been our Church for the past 4 years. It has been the coldest week yet this year. Our pipes froze and we had no water for a while. The Church building site is a mess and its 10:00 and the Preacher has not yet come home. He and the Guys are getting the building ready for Sunday. I have the house all tidy (mostly tidy) and food ready. The electric blanket is already turned on. How about that for being a good wife?

Please pray for us. Pray for all the missionaries you know and/or support. We need it.
Thanks

R

Our first wedding

After 10 years, we are having the very first wedding in our Church. Patty and Fabian are getting married. He's 27 and she's 19. She is quitting her job to start her carreer as wife.

I have had the opportunity to start training her to be a Biblical wife, caring for her husband, her home, and the children that God will send when and if He chooses.

I have been giving her all the good advice I've seen, how to be submissive or how not to be submissive, how to be contented and not get into debt. How to care for her house.

She has been very attentive and I am hopeful for her and her future husband.

Any last minute advice I can share?

R

Amy was here!

I have reason to believe the Amy Scott, from Amy's Humble Musings was here! Yesirree, right here! I can't believe it!
You see, when I started reading blogs, her's was one of the first, and I loved it, still do. I love her sense of humor. Anyone who's ever had a baby in a hospital needs to read her latest birth story.

Anyway, I was reading my daily dose of Blogdom, when lo and behold, there's my name on Amy Scott's "Also worth reading" Now, how cool is that?
R

An interesting find

I always feel that when I meet someone who is a Child of God, I soon sense that I have known them forever. You know the saying "strangers are just old friends we haven't met yet"
A few weeks ago, I met an "old friend". Her name is Val Mercy. Isn't that a great name? I wish my last name was Mercy, or Grace or something equally wonderful. Anyhoo, Val talked to me about a friend of hers, Rebekah Wilson who has written a book about Hope chests.
I found her website today, and it looks very interesting and nice. I haven't looked over it all, but so far so good. http://www.hopechestlegacy.com
BTW, I found this pretty teacup there. Enjoy!

R

I've been tagged!

My very first tag. I had been feeling a little left out. No longer Thanks Sarah!

3 Things that scare me:
a.getting on a scale b. having to confront someone about their sin. c. finding a good husband for my little girl when she grows up ( I am not really a fearful person at all)

3 people who make me laugh
a Amy from Amy's humble musings b. Dave Barry c. Michael Pearl

3 Things I love,
a. the internet b ice cream c bowling

3 Things I hate
a. complaints b. washing dishes c. dentists

3 Things I do not understand
a. algebra b. football c. art

3 Things on my desk
a. my credit card b. my son's pencil box c. my CDs

3 Things I am doing right now.
a. Waiting for the Preacher to come home. b. blogging c. procrastinating about doing the dishes before bed.

3 Things I want to do before I die.
a go to Israel b. see New England in the Fall c. control my anger

3 Things I can do,
a. Play the piano b. speak fluent Spanish c. ice skate

3 Ways to describe my personality
a. friendly b. decided (opinionated) c. happy

3 Things I can't do
a. do crafts b. draw a straight line c. stay up late

3 Things I think you should listen to
a The Holy Spirit b. your Husband c. Your Mom

3 Things you should never listen to:
a. Negative people b. worldly wisdom c.criticism of others

3 Absolute favorite foods
a Enchiladas b. southwester eggrolls c cinnamon rolls

3 Things I'd like to learn
a. to control my tongue b. to paint c. html

3 Beverages I drink regularly
a Iced tea b diet coke c. regular coke

3 shows I watched as a kid
a Bugs Bunny b.the Jetsons c Little House

3 Things I really want to do
a. go to Disneyworld b. get a new piano c. learn sing language well


Ok, that took a long time!
Now my turn to tag
I tag :
Kristi (happymama)
Michelle from Ensenada
Mrs R from Be not Conformed


Bye Now!
R

My current favorite music

When I was a teenager, I adored Sandi Patti. I wanted to be Sandi Patti. I also loved listening to Steve Green. I actually had the opportunity to meet him and his brother and Buddy Greene. I am convinced that no matter how much hypocrisy there is in CCM, Steve Green is a good guy who really loves God.
But as I grow older in time and in the Lord, my tastes are changing. I like ensembles and choirs more than soloists.

So here's what I choose to listen to.
The Marshall Family.
http://www.johnmarshallfamily.com

I don't care for all of it. I'm not real fond of girly quartets. But I like a lot of it. They write a lot of their own stuff, and play a bunch of instruments. What I like to do is to be alone, crank up the volume and sing along.
If you're new to the Marshalls, I suggest you buy the Collections, so that you get 2 albums in one. Its a good deal.
Favorite Songs:
Glory of your Presence
Crimson River
He gives me Joy
Be thou my Vision



They also have a fabulous Christmas album with old and new songs. They include some real oldies I had never heard of, but are great, like "Once in Royal David's City". They also have a song from Elizabeth's perspective called "And he leaped for Joy" Very nice.

They also have 2 Spanish albums, for which we are grateful.


Have a great Lord's day!

Rhonda

Photobucket

For all you blog novices like me, (note: I did not say blog idiot, even though that is how I feel) I need to say "photobucket"
You can put your pics and graphics into it and it will make you a html "tag"

The hardest part is knowing just where to put it in the template. I am still working on it.
You will soon be able to see my progress or lack thereof.

The missionary to the deaf will be back tonight with his co-worker, Lori. We're looking forward to a visit, and a real learning experience. Please pray for us.

Thanks
R

Favorite Verses

I don't have a "life verse" but I do have a few that seem to pop into my mind often. I learned this verse throughout my years with ACE. Now my children learn it as well. Obeying this verse would be a lifetime achievement, one that I strive for. I must say that its one that I often struggle with.

I guess that "speech" must also refer to "writing". Don't you agree?

R

I am having fun!

Look what I made! And this is just the beginning!

My kind of Art

I love this graphic! I love American folk art. I like this one especially because of the black-and-white border. (that is a joke on me because I am very much a black-and-white type of person)


I had a wild day today. A lady in our church who fancies herself a beautician came to put highlights in my hair. It was wild, especially after I realized that she was bleaching all my hair, not just streaks. I got up and ran to the kitchen sink to rinse the bleach off.
I look funny now.
R

Company's Coming!

I've got company coming tomorrow evening, and until then I have a very full schedule. I've always had a ton of company all the time, the Preacher is very given to hospitality.

But since I've been in Blogland, influenced by so many lovely ladies, I feel differently about this time. I want to make it special. I want my guests to feel that they are truly wanted guests and that I am honored to have them.

I don't know what I'll do differently, but I will have a different mind-set.

Of course you all know, that any of you are welcome here. Its just a 14 hour flight and then a 10 hour drive. Stay as long as you like!

Rhonda

My own awards

Friend of the Week Award

This weeks Friend of the Week goes to Mrs. R over at
http://be-not-conformed.blogspot.com for her lovely tea-party with our beloved Mrs. B.
Everyone should have a friend like.
Just a thought, but I'm pretty sure that the Bible says something about doing unto others.....? Maybe if I tried something like that I might become the very kind of friend I would love to have.

Blessings and Joy to Mrs. R!

I am finally learning! I am learning how to get graphics

off my printmaster and onto my blog. Yeah for me!

Html continues to baffle me. I had never heard of it until three months ago.

Some of you do so well with it. Your blogs are personal, not just a template that a whole bunch of other bloggers have.

This is wounding my pride. I am not used to feeling stupid, and boy, I feel stupid. But I love a challenge!

Now I might just run over to the Antiqui-tea book club and ask them if interior design includes blogs. If so, I am making progress on a more artful life!

R

Its been almost 13 years!

So many of you BlogGals seem blessed with absolutely perfect husbands. I am so glad for you! But maybe there are a few of you out there who can benefit from my mistakes and shortcomings in the marriage department. There was no way for me to have a perfect husband, because I was not a perfect wife. I’m still not perfect, in fact far from it, but we’ve come a long way. Now, my husband has always had the most admirable qualities I could ever hope for. He is trustworthy and hardworking. He is in the Lord’s service. Once I gave up my desire to change him, the Lord is maturing him into a wonderful husband. So for the next month leading up to our 13th anniversary, I will share what I have learned.

Before you marry someone, ask yourself this question. If he never changes, can I live with that?
I was definitely a member of the “home improvement committee” and by “home” I meant “him” Since I had been a Christian for almost two decades, and he had only been saved for two years, more or less, I figured that he could learn a lot from me. He could have too, but that was not God’s plan. Help meet does not mean teacher. Holy Spirit is Teacher, and I was trying to take over for Him!

Do you know why I did this? I think it was pride. I didn’t want others to think I had married “beneath” myself, spiritually. I considered myself more spiritual than he, although he was on the fast track. It was not until I read Created to be his Help meet that I realized that my ideas for his spirituality may not have been God’s.

What I know for certain is that my methods to make him more “spiritual” were unfruitful because they were meant to impress others and not God.

Thank you God, because you worked in me.

Not understanding

Here in Chile, every time someone gets a cold or some other physical malady, people start going over what that person did, and try to establish cause. This leads them to occasionaly making strange assumptions due to ignorance. For example, if you get a cold, its most likely because you were subjected in some way to sudden changes in temperature. You came in from the cold or you went out into the cold or somebody opened the door etc..
If you get a tummy ache, it must be the ice in your drink or the olives were "heavy" They often try to reason based on what they know, ond often it is sorely lacking. They try to find out what is to blame for the illness. Old Wives Remedies abound here. Many times they don't understand the science behind the problem.

We sometimes make assumptions based on what we know, but we don't know that we don't understand everything.

Many illnesses are cause by sin and sinful attitudes. It is my personal opinion that depression is not an illness, but a bad attitude run amuck. IMHO


However, there are illnesses that exist for the Glory of God. Now, I know that that sounds cruel, but God always has a plan. Take the blind man in John 9.
The disciples tried to blame the parents for the son's blindness. Not true. God allowed him to be born blind so that Jesus might be glorified. Why did God allow Lazarus to die? Did Lazarus do something worthy of death? I don't thinks so.
God is works through my weakness. He molds me through trials. He uses my imperfect body, subject to disease, to shape my character.

Please pray for my friend Mari, whose two daughters have died from the effects of leukodystrophy and whose sons will die soon from the same disease.
I choose to believe that God loves Pastor Juan and his wife Mari so much that he is working harder on them and shaping them for His highest purposes. Someday they will feel the honor of having been counted worthy to suffer for Christ's sake. Pray for their son Barak, who know he will soon be in the presence of his Lord and Savior.

Sometimes we just don't understand
R

Current favorite patriotic reading

A few years ago, my Dad sent me a DVD of the Ed Sullivan Show, showcasing patriotic acts throughout many years. Among them, you can see and nhear Kate Smith singing God Bless America! Our favorite part is hearing Charlton Heston (Moses and Ben-Hur) reading Lincoln's second inaugural address.
Here it is. Makes me want to cry.

Fellow-Countrymen: AT this second appearing to take the oath of the Presidential office there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first. Then a statement somewhat in detail of a course to be pursued seemed fitting and proper. Now, at the expiration of four years, during which public declarations have been constantly called forth on every point and phase of the great contest which still absorbs the attention and engrosses the energies of the nation, little that is new could be presented. The progress of our arms, upon which all else chiefly depends, is as well known to the public as to myself, and it is, I trust, reasonably satisfactory and encouraging to all. With high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is ventured.
1
On the occasion corresponding to this four years ago all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war. All dreaded it, all sought to avert it. While the inaugural address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether to saving the Union without war, urgent agents were in the city seeking to destroy it without war—seeking to dissolve the Union and divide effects by negotiation. Both parties deprecated war, but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive, and the other would accept war rather than let it perish, and the war came.
2
One-eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not distributed generally over the Union, but localized in the southern part of it. These slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest. All knew that this interest was somehow the cause of the war. To strengthen, perpetuate, and extend this interest was the object for which the insurgents would rend the Union even by war, while the Government claimed no right to do more than to restrict the territorial enlargement of it. Neither party expected for the war the magnitude or the duration which it has already attained. Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with or even before the conflict itself should cease. Each looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding. Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces, but let us judge not, that we be not judged. The prayers of both could not be answered. That of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has His own purposes. "Woe unto the world because of offenses; for it must needs be that offenses come, but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh." If we shall suppose that American slavery is one of those offenses which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, having continued through His appointed time, He now wills to remove, and that He gives to both North and South this terrible war as the woe due to those by whom the offense came, shall we discern therein any departure from those divine attributes which the believers in a living God always ascribe to Him? Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondsman's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said "the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether."

With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.






America, bless God!

Current Patriotic Favorite

I love being an American! I love my country and I am proud of my heritage.

America doesn't love God like they used to, but I do! I also believe that living outside the US gives me a greater appreciation for what we have.

I love patriotic songs. I love to sing the Battle Hymn and Yankee Doodle. I thrill to see Old Glory flying high (those are also song lyrics!)

Anyway, my current patriotic favorite is God of our Fathers. I've heard several arrangements, my favorite being the Marshall Family's, of course. Here it is!

God of our fathers, Whose almighty hand
Leads forth in beauty all the starry band
Of shining worlds in splendor through the skies
Our grateful songs before Thy throne arise.

Thy love divine hath led us in the past,
In this free land by Thee our lot is cast,
Be Thou our Ruler, Guardian, Guide and Stay,
Thy Word our law, Thy paths our chosen way. (this is my favorite phrase)

From war’s alarms, from deadly pestilence,
Be Thy strong arm our ever sure defense;
Thy true religion in our hearts increase,
Thy bounteous goodness nourish us in peace.

Refresh Thy people on their toilsome way,
Lead us from night to never ending day;
Fill all our lives with love and grace divine,
And glory, laud, and praise be ever Thine

Happy Birthday, USA

Health and Nutrition

Boy, God sure did want me out of Blogdom this past weekend! I’ve had all sorts of computer problems. Anyway, hope all my fellow country-women are having a wonderful Fourth, thanking God for our heritage. If anyone can forward me info concerning the Founding Fathers and Christianity, I would appreciate it.

I have been watching Kent Hovind’s seminar on DVD this past week. I find Creation science to be fascinating and comforting. I believe in God’s Word, and I love to hear people prove it scientifically. Of course I don’t blindly agree with everything he says, and that is the topic for today.

Health and Nutrition for the Christian.

Does God want us to eat certain things for our health? Does eating foods talked about in the Bible guarantee health? IMHO…….

Does the Bible mention food? Yes. Were Adam and Eve vegetarians? Yes but they were also nudists. So if you want to follow their example, go right ahead, but please don't post any photos!
Is pork bad for you? Meat? Bread? ( Jesus said "I am the Bread of life") Salt? Fat? Sugar? Hmmmmm…..

Here is what I know. God says in his Word that sin makes you sick, godliness makes you healthy. Here are just a few I got from Bible Gateway, there are many, many more.

1. Psalm 67:2That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.
2. Proverbs 3:8It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
3. Proverbs 4:22For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
4. Proverbs 12:18There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
5. Proverbs 13:17A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.
6. Proverbs 16:24Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

Whats more, I find these verses very interesting.
1 Timothy4:13 1Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

Now read Psalm 38 when David is sick because of his sin with Bathsheba.
Confession is not only good for the soul, its good for the body.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that all illness is from sin. What I am saying is that health is not from food. Health is from God. God is not likely to share his glory with a nutritionist or the food pyramid. He wants us to be in tune with Him.

I believe we should look more closely to our relationship with God for health and well-being.
I will do another post later on about non-sin-related illness.

Blessings and Joy and Health from the Father,

Rhonda