To My Fellow Bloggers

Every once in a while I just feel the overwhelming need to tell my bloggy pals how special you are to me! Around the same time I started my blog I started on a life changing journey. I thought it was just a change in the way our children are schooled. I never new that when I removed them from public school to "spend for quality time with them" that I would be jumping into the intense spritual growth spurt of my life. EVERYTHING and EVERY decision I would need to make for this season of my life would require to to search out my beliefs and follow my convictions no matter how comfortable or uncomfortable it would be. I just want you all to know that you have been my biggest support system! Amazingly God has also saw it fit to surround me with a wonderful group of church ladies in our church, as well. It is an amazing time in my life... though it has been very hard. I can't move forward today with out telling you all, my bloggy pals, that having a family of fellow homeschooling Christian mommas has been my so wonderful to me. I also have struggled with some issues of my own upbringing and questioned why I was not taught properly the things I would need to know for adulthood and parenthood. I have always been a very confident mother, but homeschooling left me feeling lost and ill-equipped. I am coming to terms with that I was not taught because my mother was not taught, my grandmother was not taught, etc.... I think you all are wonderful teachers of the Titus 2 verses:

3The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
4That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

And I count you as a blessing beyond measure in my life!!!

My Father's World Weekly Posting... or something like that!

I was just thinking that I really want to share what we do in our homeschooling. I had started doing that and then, quickly became overwhelmed. Totally my fault because I thought I should share ALL the details. In this case I think the saying "less is more" may apply! ;) I am going to try to backtrack and post some of our lessons. I am learning very quickly that we are not like all homeschool families. Out of each week I PLAN to school a full five days most of the time, but life just does not work that way here. We have all been very sick this year (nothing major, but enough to change our plans). We do good to have 2 or 3 days to do school with our other obligations. God is teaching me some valuable lessons! Life is going to happen! Can I work with what life gives me? Honestly, for a while I was starting to think the answer to that was, "No!"...{and yes, with the exclamation mark}..., but now I know that God is teaching me some VITAL lessons about how to handle this life. I can do this, but I have got to change ME and MY way of thinking about EVERYTHING in my day to day life. I'll share this example:

Laundry keeps rocking on in this house and the top of washing machine can be a seat and the top of a chest-of-drawers set can be a table for my child to do her Math while I fold and hang clothes. (Savannah, 9) [future post coming about this laundry area]



I thought I could not possibly post here the way our life goes or everyone would see what a failure I am. Well, guess what? That's is the old ME thinking! I want to detail this journey for my children, so they will have it to look at one day. Also, I want to show other new homeschoolers that it is not all easy and to do that I have to be real. I will begin by going back in time to re-cap some of our past lessons. When I get that up to date I will show where we are currently and how I GREATLY MODIFY the lessons and the weeks to make them work for us. I'll tell you what I think about stopping some things to focus on others and what I think about being flexible and how VERY important that is in homeschooling.

Discerning the Voice of God Bible Study - End Post

"End Post" meaning that this will be the ending of my posting about this study. Sorry. I was doing it to keep me accountable, but there are a few reasons I am going to stop. I highly encourage you to do the study. These are my reasons to not post about it:

1. Even thought I was not sharing the whole study I somehow oddly felt I was "copying" to much of it to share. I would not want anyone to read about it here instead of doing the study. God knows I am not good enough to "replace" the study.
2. My husband was getting annoyed with me... and he did not say that, but he cut his eyes at me once and that was enough to know. I just do the study much quicker, if I am not blogging about it and since I read at night this means we go to bed sooner.
3. Lastly, life happens and I just can not blog that much... sick kiddos (and us) need my care and attention.

On another note.... I have some regular bloggy stuff I want to share, so I will just do that. I also, want to do a little catch up on doing some MFW posting for Adventures and K. I just feel that it could bless someone else that is out there to see it. I know I have been very blessed to see what others are doing and how they make it work.

I also want to share some major life stories that are a part of my life. Maybe my kids will wonder one day and they can read it here. Why's daddy a teacher? Why did we choose this house? How do we know God has it all in His plan and how to we hear Him speaking to us about it? Why didn't I want kids sooner? What shaped my views growing up versus what shapes them now? How do you live life and still be frugal? Why did I recently decide there is some value in Facebook? ...And more.... any request out there for what I post on first? Just drop a comment.

Discerning the Voice of God Bible Study, Week 2, Day 1

In class we talked about our previous week briefly. The instructor talked about how special it is to get a handwritten letter in the mail. She went on to say that the Bible is that handwritten letter from God to us. The Bible is His love letter to us!

We then, began the video for the Week 2 portion of the study. The topic is:
The Holy Spirit ~~ When you become a believer the Holy Spirit takes up residence in YOU! ALL of the Holy Spirit is in YOU from that very moment, but... He may not have ALL OF YOU! {Read it, again... it is a play on words, but it is very profound}.

The Holy Spirit will lead us. And, that is not the same as our "conscience talking to us". The author describes the Holy Spirit speaking to us as when it is so profound that you HAVE to do it EVEN IF YOU WOULD NOT NORMALLY DO THAT PARTICULAR THING. In my notes I wrote this: "The Voice of God is when you are told to do something that you would NOT otherwise do on your own." At first, I thought that made no sense... and then, I remembered some things that are perfect examples of that. Just for kicks I will list a few.... don't laugh or gasp to hard.
1.) I never wanted to have children and swore I would never. Then, my heart just changed! Look at me now. And some might say that we changed our mind because it was a "mistake"...not so in our case. EVERY ONE of my children have been very deliberately planned to be concieved. Even the two I lost. Once God put it on my heart I HAD to do it! And I immediately looked into my firstborns face and wanted to do it, again. Thank you God!
2.) Truly embracing motherhood.... You have to know that I was told it was awful all my life, but immediately my desire was to do it and do it well. I had the overwhelming to be perfect at it...which is why I have a hard time when I mess it up. There is no way to be "perfect" at it.
3.) The biggest one and best example.... Homeschool! I started just to be with my kids, but it was after resisting God on the issue for SEVERAL years. Yes, that is right... I did not obey Him even though I heard Him telling me to do it from the beginning. I was convinced that I could NOT do it and that it was crazy. ;) ..and it is a bit crazy, but now I truly believe in it...sold out... with all my heart... with my strongest conviction ever.... My point is that I would have never stayed with it on my own. I would have put my kids back in school already, but God (the Holy Spirit) convicted me of it and as crazy as I think it is some days I HAVE to do it. I have never felt a stronger feeling about anything in my life.

Anyway, on to the study part... let's see what this DAY 1 study is all about.

DAY 1

Deuteronomy 5:2 "And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth."

Even though he can speak to us in miraculous ways we should not expect that. We should rely on God's Word from the Bible and what He lays on our hearts. If we are so blessed to get a confirmation through "sensational" means is shall serve to confirm that He is speaking to us, but we should not require to know He has spoken. We must have FAITH in Him even without some miraculous event to confirm His voice to us.

***I am loving this Bible Study! It is great to have a set "curriculum" to study rather than my random choices of study. It is great to follow along with the study guide and read the author's take on it and the Bible verses she points out. I should do this more often.


{Once again, let me state that this should not replace the Bible Study. It is just a brief amount of my notes. I would encourage to do this study, if any of this is on your heart.}

Discerning The Voice of God, Week 1, Day 3, 4, 5

I did these throughout the week, but did not blog... sorry. I do want to do this and blog as I go to help me stay on track, but sometimes life calls. This is a re-cap of these three days.

DAY 3

We have to plan to OBEY when God does answer. Hmmmm... I wish I could say that I am good at this, but ... no.... I sometimes obey for a day or two and then, I forget or get slack and go right back to my way. Arrgghhhh! Hard to admit, but I am being as real as I can be here.

Answere YES to God BEFORE you know what He wants you to do!! {hard one!} God expects our obedience.

One example the author gives is this... and all us women can truly relate to this: We ask our husband what shoes look best with our outfit. We already have in our mind the ones WE want to wear. Hubby answers. It is not the one WE want to wear, so we DISREGARD his answer. Hubby is understandably irritated. In the future hubby is HESITANT TO EVEN ANSWER. He will say, "Why do you even ask me? You are going to do what YOU want anyway." Now, put GOD in that equation... Read this back, but take hubby out and put God in.... Hmmm... Interesing isn't it?!

"OBEDIENCE IS THE KEY TO HEARING HIS STILL SMALL VOICE."

Exodus 19:5 "Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:"

Luke 8:18 "Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have." {we don't want what we seem to have be taken away do we?}

"If we settle ahead of time that we will obey whatever God tells us, we will go into our time with him ready to hear His voice." --Henry and Richard Blackaby

To know God's word and NOT obey it is to sin against Him!

DAY 4

We need to be ready to LISTEN to God, if we truly want to hear Him speak to us.

Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 (KJV) "Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few."
Consider the NLT version: "As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut. It is evil to make mindless offerings to God. Don’t make rash promises, and don’t be hasty in bringing matters before God. After all, God is in heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your words be few."

"Could it be that we don't hear God because we have trained ourselves not to hear Him? Our busy lifestyles have squelched out the clear, powerful voice of God so we no longer even recognize it. We must carve out time to purposefully listen to God's voice through prayer, meditation on His Word, and worship. If we listen we will hear the voice that speaks eternally."

Prayer = "...allow the Holy Spirit to direct my prayer time." Have portion of prayer time that is quiet and silent and let God speak and lay others on your heart to pray for, as well as, speak to you about issues that you are awaiting answers to.

Meditation = "Meditation is a discipline because it requires you to control your desire to fill the silence with activity."

Worship = Meditaion, prayer, music, etc. can lead to this worship time.

DAY 5

We must have FAITH in it. We must not just seek counsel with others, we must counsel (pray) with God!

Hebrews 10:22 "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water."

"He is looking for someone to believe He is who He says He is and He can do what He says He can do." Do we TRULY believe? Are we giving Him all our faith? We must have FAITH that He will answer us if we expect Him to.

{Once again, let me state that this should not replace the Bible Study. It is just a brief amount of my notes. I would encourage to do this study, if any of this is on your heart.}

Answer To "Can You Guess..."

Sorry to keep you waiting. I posed the question a couple of days ago of what this is.

I got some very interesting responses. No, it is not new carpet and , in fact, if I get the chance for home renovation all the carpet is going to go. In fact, this pic is not even taken in our home. Yes, I hope the feet are clean... they look clean to me. ;) No, these feet were not ready for bed. In fact, they had a much more important duty on this day. We did not get a "manicure" on these feet, but they were in for quick soaking. ;) No, as far as we know there is no toe fungus... and after that comment I did zoom in on this pic to see if they look fungus ridden. LOL! And lastly, I do think they are adorable feet, too!

These feet have now been "washed white as snow". You see, these feet are sweet little baptism feet! My nine year old daughter, Savannah, was baptized Sunday morning. Standing there waiting I just could not help taking a picture of those sweet little feet.

And this is a pic of her coming up out of the water. Isn't that the most fabulous thing to get to see your child take that step in faith?! This is what is all about right here. And is such an exciting time. Full of questions, nervousnees, joy, and an eagerness to tell the world. When I say "this is what it is all about", don't misunderstand me. I don't mean that it is all about be simply proud of her. I mean, knowing that she truly understands what she is doing. Honestly, she made her decision some time back, but she did not understand it.... and she was afraid of drowning. ;) After many discussions over the last year she finally came to the conclusion that they would not drown her. She then became instantly ready to make her "Profession of Faith" in church and could hardly stand the wait until she was actually baptized.

Savannah

Walk Down for Spiritual Counsel on January 24, 2010

Public Profession of Faith on January 31, 2010

Baptized on Sunday, February 7, 2010

Can You Guess....?

.... what this is?

Discerning The Voice Of Good, Q & A

I am going to answer a question I received regarding the Discerning the Voice Of God Bible Study I am participating in here in this post, just in case there are others that have the same question. My anwer was becoming quite lengthy, so I thought that I would post it this way instead of the comments as a reply.

Quinn: "You've peaked my curiosity this morning. :)I'd like to know by what mode or modes is the author say that God speaks to us and what Scripture does she use to support her conclusions? Thanks."

Quinn, Keep in mind that I am only Week 1, Day 3 of this study, so I have only just begun. I am on page 16 of 126 pages and it is a six week study. I am not familiar with the author of this book and can't really speak for her, but I will try to answer your questions.

Q: "I'd like to know by what mode or modes is the author say that God speaks to us....?"
A: She implies that we can hear God "speak" not in a verbal sense, but rather through scripture, events, Sunday School teachers, Preachers, or life circumstances and many other ways. I'll give you and exmaple of how I "heard" God speaking to me today. I was walking through the church (which is also used as a Pre-K and K school) and one of the classrooms was open and I saw a portion of scripture on the wall. Without thinking too much of it I began to sing it because it is a portion of a contemporary Christian song, also. Some twenty minutes later I was in my SS class and part of our lesson was on that verse. My "ears" perked up as I realized God must be trying to get me to "hear" that verse today for some reason. Later in the day, I was helping my daughter with some special stickers that I got for her with scriptures on them and that same scripture was one of the scriptures. Again, I know that is God "speaking" to me. I'll admit that at this particular time I am not sure what the message is for me, but I know I must listen and wait for Him to "speak", again. And maybe [because I did not really think I needed this study ;) ] in this instance God is simply trying to show that when I "listen", He will "speak". Many times I am too "tuned out"... changing a diaper, cleaning a spill, fixing a lunch, kissing a bo-bo, etc.... I don't always "hear" due to all the distractions.

Q: ..."...what Scripture does she use to support her conclusions? Thanks.
A: John 10:27 "My sheep hear my voice..."

Ephesians 2:19-22 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
(She uses this to say we are a PART OF THE FAMILY OF GOD.)

1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
(She uses this to say that to UNDERSTAND GOD YOU MUST BE A PART OF GOD.)

Habakkuk 2:1 I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.

Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Deuteronomy 5:31 But as for thee, stand thou here by me, and I will speak unto thee all the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which thou shalt teach them, that they may do them in the land which I give them to possess it.

Luke 8:18 (KJV) Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.
Luke 8:18 (New Living Translation)“So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them.”
(This version is a bit easier to get what she is trying to point out.)

Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:


Those are some of the verses. And it should be said, as the author herself points out, that just because you are not hearing God speak to you does not mean you are not a child of God's. It might simply be that you need to learn to listen to Him... or EXPECT to hear from Him... have FAITH that He will speak.... or be PATIENT and WAIT.... or be OBEDIANT for God to speak. She gives an example all us women can relate to... We ask our husbands in our shoes match our outfit adn which pair should we wear, knowing all along we are going to wear the ones we want to wear anyway. Why ask them, if we are going to disregard. So, what do you think God would "say" to us, if He already knew we were not going to listen to Him [which He already does know because He knows all things ;)]? Maybe He would just not "speak" to us on the issue we are expecting Him, too.

Sense I am feeling "open" tonight I will put it out there what I think I am learning from this study is that I need to have faith that God will answer me... I need to come to Him expecting Him to "speak" to me..... and I need to be patient and wait.... and grow myself in the waiting time.... listen to his message in the waiting time.... and be obedient to the answer He gives me.... that means actually follow His plan and not my own plan. Tough stuff to admit, but I obviously need to LISTEN to what He is trying to TELL me her. ;)

I hope this helps... this is not really my area of expertise which is why I am in the Bible study and not writing books! LOL!!

Discerning The Voice of God, Week 1, Day 2

Today the focus was on EXPECTING God to speak to us and then, WAITING FOR HIM TO SPEAK. We must WAIT... such a hard thing to do isn't it sometimes?! The thing that most struck me about this as I studied it is that sometimes the process of waiting on a message from God is just as important as the message itself."

Discerning The Voice of God, Week 1, Day 1

I just started attending a new Bible study at our church called "Discerning The Voice of God: How To Recognize When God Speaks" by Priscilla Shirer. I want to say that is not something I was searching out, but it surely can't hurt. Anyway, I am thinking that I might record some of the highlights and my thoughts hear as the study unfolds and it might make me more accountable for my "homework", as well as, give me a chance to share something from the study that could inspire some of you.

The back of the book says:

"The Father so passionately loves you that He sent Jesus to die in your place. He desires a personal relationship in which He speaks directly to you. Have you spent most of your life leaning on these beliefs without really experiencing them? Have you been in the presence of passionate believers who shared stirring encounters with God's voice while your own soul overflowed with confusion? ...."

In our class the instructor began with introductions and then, gave us a Pop Quiz. Yes, on the first night! I thought she was joking at first. ;) No grading required, though... whew! Anyhow, I am not sure how far I will carry all my "sharing" of information because I like to keep some things personal, but I want to share my Pop Quiz. Ask yourself these questions as you go along. I'll italicize the question, then follow with MY answer. Remember that if you have different answers than me that is fine... it's a personal thing and we are all different. ;) So, here goes:

* Who does God talk to? Everyone, even those who do not listen.
* Does God talk to YOU? Yes, God talks to me, but often I do not hear him in my "busy"ness. * How do you know God talks to you? I know when I really listen and in those times I realize all the times I missed.
* Where does God talk to you? Anywhere when I "tune in".
* How does God talk to you? God talks to me through preachers, friends, bible teachings, email, internet.... endless ways.
* Why does God talk to me? God talks to me because He cares about every minute thing!
* What would you like to get from this study? I would like to "tune in" and understand discernment.


Keep in mind my answers were short and to the point and the questions were coming fast. I was shaking my hands to fight the writer's cramps from trying to keep up with the questions. I could have written much more for each answer, but time did not permit... which is just as well because I tend to be long with my words when I could be short. ;) I'm sure if you read this blog you have realized that, right?! LOL!

Due to copyright I will be careful that I do not reveal too much of the contents of the book/study. I just want to share what touches me and it is not meant to replace the actual study. In fact, I hope some of you will be encouraged to do the study yourself and it is all available through LifeWay.

The first week of the study is about "Anticipating the Voice of God"... we should desire and expect to hear from God. This prayer qoute from the book sums it up to me:

"Lord, heighten my spiritual senses to

see that which is not visible

hear that which is not audible

sense that which is not tangible

believe that which is unbelievable.

Teach me to sort through

the noises of this world to

hear and discern Your powerful,

wonderful, pure, precious voice."

We must EXPECT God to speak to us!!.....

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." Proverbs 3:5-6

When we change our attitude.... when we stop doubting God will answer us.... and become confident that He will speak to us ....and expectant that He will speak to us.... It is then that God will begin to give us the directions we are seeking for our lives.

I just finished my "Homework, Day 1" and WHOA!!! I am going to get so much out of this... so much more than ever expected. Already, I can look back up at the last Pop Quiz question and see that I am going to get way more than I was even thinking last night. God makes no mistakes when He places us somewhere! Amazing! I can't share all my intermost thoughts here for now... maybe when this is all done I might share some more. Some of these Bible studies just get way too personal for me to put it all out there for everyone to read. Let me tell you this, though. On this Day 1 homework assignment there are two parts to write a prayer to God. I don't know if I have EVER written down a prayer to God. I just speak what I am thinking. I highly encourage you to actually pick up a pen today and write a prayer. It is amazing!! It starts to flow out of you in a way that I can't really explain. This particular study begins by telling you to write a prayer to God about the confidence you have in Him. A little later it has you write a prayer in response to God's command to you (this you get from doing the study). I merged my two to one prayer and it is so amazing to see it written down and the realization that I need to say this prayer daily to God so that He will guide ALL my ways to be more like His ways.