It's A Loveless World

To all our readers....

2010-12-10T10:29:00.001-05:00

Hello. I know, I don't post anymore. Well, God has blessed and we have been very busy here in Kenora. Victory Baptist Church now has a building! God opened the doors for us to purchase a 5 acre piece of property with a building already on it. The best part was that it was already zoned correctly!

Anyhow, between homeschooling, church renovations, and getting ready for Christmas, I just haven't found much time for blogging. I would like to get back to regular posting, but I just can't keep up with two blogs, so I'm not going to be posting here anymore. I have another blog, "Love... In A Loveless World." I will be posting over there. It would make me very happy if you would continue to follow me at my other blog. I also post an update on the ministry at Victory Baptist Church once a month at the KJV Blog Directory.

I will keep this blog open, however. And how knows? Maybe, I'll learn to be more organized and life will slow down a little!? Okay, so, maybe that's asking a little too much! Thanks for following us.

We're still here...

2010-09-08T15:23:00.001-04:00

Sorry, we haven't had much time to spend with you in the blogosphere. I have a few minutes between laundry, children, and supper preparations to bring you up-to-date.

Jerry is now cast free and his arm is healing straight. He still has to be careful for the next four weeks, because it isn't healed completely. Tell me, how do you keep an active five-and-a-half-year-old 100% boy from climbing, swinging, or jumping seven feet off the deck until his arm is completely healed? It helps that we've started homeschooling him yesterday. That at least takes care of part of the day, however, you can't home-school 24 hours a day!

We still haven't heard any news about the property the church put a bid on. It's just not the right time yet. We are still praying diligently for the property. The problem right now is that the Realtor still doesn't have all the facts from the survey. Please, continue to make it a matter of prayer. The things God could do with that property is exciting! We will let you all know as soon as we hear one way or the other. In the meanwhile, you can take a look at it here.

Our last paperwork has been sent in to the Canada Revenue Agency and we are waiting to hear their verdict on the our residential status while on deputation. Please pray with us for the sake of all Independent Baptist missionaries from Canada. The CRA is challenging the fact that our church is independent and not a part of a national denominational office. Please, please, pray that the CRA will recognize that we were indeed factual residents while on deputation in the USA. If they do not, we will appeal, but they could begin to attack other IFB missionaries from Canada resulting in a great financial loss, possibly forcing some of them home from the field. If you are in Canada, write your local Member of Parliament and express the fact that we still have "freedom of religion" in Canada and Independent Baptist is indeed an established denomination across Canada and the World. Silence from God's people has already cost us so many freedoms in Canada. Let's not allow it to happen again. Basically, this means that we would have had no right to claim the benefits that come from filing taxes in Canada. Since, we have already received and used these tax benefits, the CRA is asking us to repay the amounts received while out of the country. For more information read "Canadian Residents Abroad" especially page 5 under the heading of missionaries.

We covet your every prayer and can testify of God's amazing provision since loosing half of our monthly income. God has provided Keith with a temporary job doing lawn care for the elderly which will last as long as the snow stays away. We've heard it often comes as early as mid-October in this part of the world. If this hasn't been solved before then, we trust that God has another plan. God bless you all as you serve Him each day.

Jerry's Arm and Other Things...

2010-08-25T08:57:00.004-04:00

Good Morning, to you all! Sorry, I didn't update this the other day, it has been crazy busy around here. Jerry did not have surgery on Monday since the surgeon felt his arm seemed to be healing straight. However, he had Jerry go in yesterday for an X-ray and it looks like it may be starting to angle. The Surgeon wants Jerry back in for another X-ray in two weeks to see what is happening. Please, pray that his arm will correct itself and heal straight.

Keith got away for youth camp late in the morning yesterday. I'm trusting he arrived safely, since cell reception is non-existent where they are and no one has called looking for him. Keep the youth in prayer as they will be under some great preaching. Some of our girls have decided to sing solos in this year's competition for the first time. Keep them in prayer as they're a "little" nervous. I'm proud of them for stepping out of their comfort zone. Also, pray for Keith's sanity! It's been a few years since he was involved in the camp ministry and having three small children has worn down his nerves some since then. :o}

One more update: We still have not heard back about the property bid we made as a church last month. The bank was to have a surveyor out around the tenth of the month, but things still have not been settled. God's timing is perfect and we are still praying that He will allow us to have the property. It's a little out of town, but the property would be useful for so many ministries in the future. (including providing a retreat for those in full-time ministry) So, if you need a vacation, pray, PRAY, PRAY!!! Just kidding, although that is one of our (Keith and mine) heart desires to someday have a piece of property with a few cabins to provide a retreat for tired pastors, missionaries, and evangelists. And what better place than Kenora? Anyhow, for the present time, our greatest need is a permanent meeting place. We have to re-locate again this Sunday, because the community center is booked again. Also, they are no longer allowing us to store our equipment in the building. We have been given a trailer and Bro. Will is fixing it up for us to use, but for those of you who either do or have had to pack and unpack every service, you know how hard it is on the church. Please, please pray that God will provide something soon. We do not have a contract with the community center and so, we have no guarantee of an affordable place to meet.

Also, could you all keep us in prayer. I don't think I've blogged about this, but we have been having trouble with Canada Revenue concerning our residential status while we were on deputation. I will try and explain in more detail later, but in a nut shell: they are challenging the fact that we come from an independent church and not a national religious organization. This could mean trouble for all Independent Baptist missionaries in Canada. We have submitted the last documents and forms requested and now we wait. This could mean that we will have to pay back about $30,000 to the government and we were only gone two years. It would be worse for larger families and those who where out of country longer (longer deputation and foreign missionaries.)

Well, I'd better go and check on the kids and make sure Jerry isn't climbing or doing some other fool thing that'll result in another broken arm (which by the way, his arm is broken clean through after all.)

Have a great day, and don't forget to let God have some of your time!

Jerry's Arm

2010-08-22T22:55:00.002-04:00

Update on Jerry's arm. Well, our boy has decided that he hates casts! I spent a total of ten hours in the emerge on Friday because he took his cast off twice. The last time, the doctor on duty (who happened to be a mother) decided that a full arm cast would do the trick and so far so good!

We are going in tomorrow morning to have his arm checked again. Jerry will likely have to have surgery on his arm. The surgeon will take a more extensive x-ray to determine if its necessary. I was told that if the angle of the fracture is as it appears to be, it could result in a crippled arm and no use of his hand. The doctor explained that instead of the bone growing and healing the fracture, it would grow out the opposite side causing a bump on the bone. As Jerry grows the bump would cause his arm to grow at an angle which would render his arm useless.

Lord willing, the surgery won't be necessary. Please, keep Jerry in prayer tomorrow morning. I was assured that the surgeon is one of the best. Also, pray for us as we try to find ways to occupy a rambunctious five-year-old who can't climb, play in the sand, or do most anything that requires his right hand (he's right-handed.) "Lord, help us!"

Also, pray for our young people who are leaving in the morning for camp. Keith was supposed to take them, but he won't be leaving until Tuesday now. Pray that God will speak to them and given them strength to live for Him. It is an uncertain world they have to face and today's young people need more faith and grace than ever before.

It's finally happened....

2010-08-19T22:48:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, all three of our children lost their privilege of playing outside when they sneaked under the fence and went to the neighbor's. Well, as we were all getting ready for church, Jerry sneaked off again, this time to his swing set in the back yard.

Now, I've been telling him for a long time that one of these days he's gonna get hurt when he chooses to disobey the rules. Of course, Jerry thinks he's invincible because God has protected him this far. As five-and-a-half-year-old boys do, he chose to learn the hard way.

I was down-stairs doing my make-up when I heard Keith calling me in one of those "someone-got-hurt-bad" voices. Of course, I was applying my blush at the time and ended up with a long heavily applied streak in a strange direction. I went upstairs to see what the fuss was about (after rubbing off the excess blush, of course.) Jerry was holding his arm and crying in a sincere manner. I guess, he was swinging high in the air when a bolt came loose and sent him crashing. (Don't worry, Daddy tightened all the bolts today before anyone else was allowed to play.)

After he calmed down and we saw he could still move his arm; we decided to wait until after church and see if he was still favoring it. By the time we got to church, Jerry was getting adamant about the fact that he "really did" hurt his arm. So, I borrowed Nancy's car and took him to emergency room at the local hospital.

After five hours we were finally ushered back to an examining room. Two hours later Jerry was sporting a half-cast wrapped in a tensor bandage. He has fractured his right arm (can't tell you the name of the bone). He has to wear a half cast until next Friday when they will ex-ray his arm again and probably give him a full cast.

We finally got to bed somewhere between 2 and 2:30 this morning. Between a lack of sleep and the fact that he's right-handed and "can't do anything fun", Jerry was miserable all day. I'd like to believe that he's going to learn that obedience IS the very best way, but who am I kidding? He's a five-and-a-half-year-old boy and has already tried climbing on the piano "because he didn't have anything else fun to do." That's my boy!

It's not their fault!!!

2010-08-16T10:56:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, Jerry came up with a very ingenious theory on why mosquitoes bite. Not knowing the difference between the male and female of the species, Jerry has devised a very logical explanation. I told him that only the little mosquitoes bite so the kids would stop freaking out at the large male mosquito on our bathroom wall.

So, what is Jerry's reason?

Here it is.... (drum roll, please)

The little mosquitoes do the biting because they haven't grown up yet like their parents and so they don't know any better.

Well, now you know why the little mosquitoes do all the blood sucking. Have a great day!

Reply to comment on "Local Church Bible Publishers"

2010-08-10T11:34:00.000-04:00

This morning we received the following comment on a post we published in January titled Local Church Bible Publishers.

Todd said...

"braided for broided hair" ? If you try to reach children with the Gospel by speaking 1611 KJV English to them you will seem like a foreigner. This is the same kind of thinking that kept people in darkness in the Roman Catholic Church "Latin the holy language". Praise GOD some clear thinking men risked their lives to put GOD'S WORD into the then common language. I hope that we would study Greek and Hebrew and continue to bring GOD'S WORD to the common people in the common language. Remember it says "the common people heard him gladly".
GOD BLESS.

I do want to say that I appreciate the cordial way in which Todd disagreed with us. However, I do wish to share my rebuttal since most people will likely never see the comment on the post in question.

The Loveless Family said...

Todd, I appreciate your comment and I agree that we need to have God's Word for the common people. However, that is where we part ways. You see, the Auhtorized Version is written in a language common man can understand. Yes, some words are seldom used anymore,and the meaning of others have changed (i.e. gay) but that is where education comes in.

Also, you must realize that often the more "modern" term does not convey the whole meaning of a word. Not one of my children were born speaking the English language, they learned it. And they are also learning "the King's" English.

Another aspect that you have overlooked is the fact that God's Word is spiritually discerned. One may, without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, be able to understand some intellectual concepts of Scripture, but never the Truths of Scripture.

Unsaved man needs only to understand one thing... "Ye must be born again." And only the Holy Spirit can help them to understand that.

The English language has not changed sufficiently to warrant a new version. If the day comes that it has changed so much so that the Truths of God's Word are no longer available to the common man, then God will raise up more men to translate it. Until then, we must educate our children in the use of a dictionary that surprisingly enough still lists those supposed archaic words.

Thank you for giving me a chance to explain myself more clearly. I do have one more thing to suggest:

Study the modern English versions prayerfully and let me know if you find ONE that agrees 100% with the AV and has not changed God's doctrines in some way. I would rather have my children use a dictionary to find out that "broided" means braided than to have them taught a false doctrine. May God bless your search for the Truth.

Rest For Frustrated, Angry Parents by Wendell E. Miller

2010-08-09T23:59:00.003-04:00

REST FOR FRUSTRATED, ANGRY PARENTS

Are you becoming frustrated because you are trying to
control your children with your voice?

by Wendell E. Miller

Q. I love my children very much; but often I lose my temper, yell and scream at them, and become so frustrated and angry at their disobedience that I am afraid that I might harm them. What can I do to control my anger?

A. There may be some very simple things that you can do to increase your ability to cope with stress, and it is worthwhile to consider them.

First, are you getting enough rest? You are responsible for the way you act no matter how tired you are, but it is easier to behave in a godly manner if you are not unduly fatigued.

Mothers of small children tend to work long hours and seven days a week, lose some sleep during the night when one of the children is awake, and then think that they have to do their housework while the children nap.

To get more adequate rest a mother should 1) take a nap while the children nap, 2) teach the children to entertain themselves part of the time so that she can do the housework, 3) teach them to keep their own things in order, 4) teach them to be helpers with household chores, and 5) be content with a house that is reasonably well-kept, rather than striving for one that is immaculate.

The financial situation of some two-parent families (and nearly all one-parent families) is such that, at least for a short time, the mother must work outside of the home.

However, some mothers are excessively tired because the family has been made a slave to things that they "must" have as one or more of the family members have been taken captive by the lures of advertisers.

Consider your attitude toward people who are presently in your life and those who were in your life in the past. If there is resentment and unforgiveness, then this stress needs to be removed from your life (see "How Should I Deal With Anger?" and "Is Forgiving Forgetting?"). Pray and forgive-- release the penalty of all offenses to God.

Resentment and unforgiveness can cause fatigue and thereby make it harder to react biblically to irritations. Also, it is quite common for bad feelings toward one person to be vented against another person. For instance, a woman who must work outside the home may resent her husband because she must work outside the home--and she acts these feelings out as an irritable and angry mother.

With regard to parental anger, you must not yell or scream at your children, and you must not punish them while you are angry.

An obvious way to avoid yelling and screaming at your children and punishing them while angry is to avoid becoming frustrated and angry.

Winners do not become frustrated and angry. Winners do not "tip over the checkerboard." It is losers that become angry and frustrated. So, to avoid frustration and anger, become a winner at being a parent.

To become a winner at parenting, you must have a plan (God's plan), you must be confident in your plan, you must be determined to follow through on your plan, and you must be disciplined in following through on your plan. You may lose a few battles, but you will be confident that you are going to win the war.

God's plan for child rearing is "nurture and admonition." Biblical "nurture" means structuring your children's minds and actions (see "Child Rearing--Don't Just Take Anyone's Advice" and "Bringing About Biblical Child Rearing").

One way to be a winner and to avoid parental frustration and anger is to use positive as well as negative incentives to structure your children 's actions (see "Dare I Spank My Child?").

One positive incentive is to structure your children's actions in life's daily duties.

You can do this by establishing a chart of personal-care and/or household-help duties, and then giving a weekly reward based upon faithfulness in doing the assigned duties. For small children, stars or stickers on the chart serve as an effective daily incentive without money; but, even at as young an age as five years, stars plus pennies may be more effective than stars alone.

The use of a duty chart with rewards can change morning chaos to peaceful order and reduce the workload of the mother throughout the day.

In order to obtain the maximum benefits from the duty chart, 1) make the child responsible for reminding himself to fulfill the duty, rather than your reminding him and nagging him; and 2) train the child in good stewardship of his finances by training him to give to God's work and to save for larger purchases.

Warning! Do not condition him for credit buying by agreeing to buy things for him and letting him pay you back out of his future earnings.

There is another way to avoid parental frustration and anger and to avoid punishing while angry: Punish before you become frustrated and angry.

If you are a parent who knows of no other way to structure your children's behavior than spanking, it is quite likely that you will not punish them until you are frustrated and angry.

The solution to the problem is to be creative in using some punishments and in punishing consistently.

For instance, you may determine that a certain behavior is punishable by the child standing or sitting with his nose in the corner (five minutes for a smaller child, ten minutes for a larger child). Then, if by his disobedience he chooses to spend time in the corner ten times each day, it is his choice. Why should you get upset?

Instead of being upset, you should be calmly confident that you can and will punish him consistently until the unbiblical habit pattern is corrected. You are winning! Winners don't get frustrated and angry.

However, a word of warning after the bad behavior habit is broken, he will come back and try you in a week or two to see if the rule is still in effect. Apply the small punishment immediately, and you will reassure him that it is.

But if you are a parent who knows no other way to punish the child except spanking, then, when he misbehaves, you will try to evaluate the severity of his misbehaviour to determine if it is bad enough to require spanking this time. Quite likely, you will decide that it is not bad enough to spank this time. You will be somewhat irritated that he has misbehaved, and you will be somewhat frustrated that you have not corrected his misbehavior.

It is quite likely that your child is testing the rule to see just how bad he can be and still avoid being spanked. So having established that he can get by with a certain level of misbehaviour, he will try it again.

Each time he misbehaves below the misbehaviour level that has been established as meriting a spanking, you will become more frustrated, become more angry, and perhaps yell at him in a louder and more angry voice.

Perhaps he will learn just how angry you have to be before there is danger of being spanked. If so, after you have thoroughly lost your patience, after you have yelled or screamed at him in a voice that discredits Christianity among your neighbors, and after you have a splitting headache, then he will obey you.

Or, you will go through a cycle of increasing frustration and anger, spanking out of anger, feeling guilty for spanking out of anger, perhaps being plagued with fear that someday you will harm the child when you are angry, and then starting the cycle of frustration and anger again.

Use positive incentives and small and consistent punishments, as taught above, to avoid becoming angry. But, if you do become angry, exert self-control and avoid acting angrily. The anger is not a sin, but actions that result from anger can be sinful.

Also, avoid errors that are being taught by the world--and even by some Christians. For instance, venting your frustration and anger by attacking, and perhaps damaging, an inanimate object (beating a pillow or even breaking an object) 1) is an exercise in losing self-control; 2) may include thoughts of physical harm toward a person; 3) may result in violence against a person sometime in the future as a habit pattern of reacting violently is established; and 4) is nothing more than an adult "temper tantrum."

Another error of the world to avoid is "scream therapy." Temporary relief from frustration and anger by uncontrolled and irresponsible behavior can only result in having poorer self-control in the future. God's answers to anger do not include sessions in which the frustrated and angry person practices a lack of self-control.

When you have a problem of becoming angry with a child that has disobeyed you, remember that it would not make "two cents' worth" of difference whether the child obeys you or not--except that God has told him to obey you.

So who is the child really disobeying? God, of course. Then why are you angry rather than being saddened that your child is rebelling against God and (figuratively) shaking his fist at God? Is it not that old sinful pride that we all have in such abundance? To quench parental anger, confess the root sin of your anger to God.

Consider this prayer, "Lord, I am angry at my child because he didn't obey me. But, Lord, my child's sin is really against You. In comparison to my child's sin of rebelling against Your commandment, his offense of disobeying me is nothing. If it weren't for my sinful pride, l would be sorrowful instead of being angry; and if it weren't for my sinful selfishness I would be more concerned for my child's relationship with You than for my feelings. So please forgive me for my sinful pride and my sinful selfishness, and cleanse me from being so prideful and selfish."

You can "bring your children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord," if you make it a priority in your life and if you devote sufficient time, thought, energy and prayer to it. And you can have a home in which there is love, honor, obedience and peace; but it will take work and diligence.

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Kid Quotes

2010-08-03T12:10:00.005-04:00

Josie -- "Momma, do you know why God created people?" ... "To make the world way more snugglier and warmer."

Daddy -- "Why are there so many people in this world?" Jerry -- "Because its not Mars, Daddy."

It's a Girl!!!

2010-07-24T18:56:00.000-04:00

We are in the midst of adopting a beautiful Brown-eyed girl. She has a beautiful disposition and is about eighteen months old. Our poor baby was found wondering alone on a near-by Native Reservation. We've named her Gracie, isn't she beautiful?

"Gracie" is the newest addition to the Loveless family. She is mostly German Shepherd although much smaller. We've always told the kids that when we settle down, we would get a dog. So, "Gracie" is our testimony to God's grace in bringing us to Kenora to serve with Victory Baptist Church. Our family is now complete!

Update on Property for Victory Baptist Church

2010-07-21T11:29:00.003-04:00

Hello, again. Keith and Bro. Keith went to the bank this morning to see about financing for the property I mentioned yesterday. Because it is undeveloped land, the bank will only loan the church $25,000. We are praying that the Lord will provide another $25,000 which will allow us to make a bid of $50,000. Please make this a matter of urgent prayer.

First, that God will provide the finances we need

Second, that our bid will be accepted

Finally, that the owners would not choose to reclaim the land before the deal is final.

Thank you for joining with us in prayer. We have faith that God will give us the perfect place to build in His perfect timing. It is our prayer that this will be that place & time.

Urgent Prayer Request

2010-07-20T17:44:00.001-04:00

Please pray for Victory Baptist Church in Kenora, Ontario. As some of you may know, we have been meeting in rented facilities for thirteen years. A piece of property has become available and we hope to put in a bid this week. It is just outside of town in the unorganized township of Pellat. Because it is unorganized, we would be able to build a church without the hassle of re-zoning, something the City of Kenora is unfavourable to. It is 35.95 acres and the asking price is $55,000. We are asking everone to pray that our Heavenly Father would blind the eyes of other interested parties and that our bid would be accepted. Also, the current owners have so such time to pay their debt before it would be finalized. We as a church have been praying diligently for a permanent place for the church to meet. The things God could do with a piece of property this size is astounding! The realtors are hoping to open for bids tomorrow or at the latest later his week. Lord willing, this is an answer to our prayers. Thank you for joining with us, "where two or three are gathered" God can do great things.

What did Paul, the missionary, expect from the church in Rome?

2010-07-08T14:19:00.002-04:00

But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. (Romans 15:23-33)

A few weeks ago, Keith preached a sermon on this passage. In Romans 15, Paul was planning another missionary trip. He told the church in Rome that he hoped to visit them on his way to Spain. He also gave them three expectations.

1. Paul expected "to be brought on (his) way thitherward by you" The phrase, "to be brought on my way" is speaking of financial help. When a church has a missionary in, they should keep in mind that it is their responsibility to help that missionary financially on his way. I'm not speaking of monthly support, but rather food, logging, and a financial gift. Deputation is the most expensive time in a missionary's life. In the beginning he has very little support coming in and yet he has some of the biggest expenses: prayer cards, a display, a DVD presentation, a vehicle, lodging, food, family needs... As deputation progresses, the missionary has to prepare for moving expenses, housing, possibly a new vehicle, shipping, etc. Our suggestion is: if you cannot help the missionary along his way, don't have him in unless they have been made aware and are still wanting to come regardless. We had several pastors tell us that they couldn't help much, but if we couldn't find another church to visit, they would be happy to give us a meal and have Keith preach. Often these churches proved to be the encouragement we needed. It is not that a missionary won't come, but the church's goal should always be to help them financially to the next appointment. Missionaries only want to be a blessing to the churches they visit and are trusting God to supply their every need, but all too often churches forget that they are the tools God uses to meet those needs.

2. "that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me" Missionaries need prayer! When you have driven over extremely high mountains in a snow storm on narrow roads with no guard rails you truly appreciate and feel the prayers of God's people. Again, every missionary has financial needs. You may not be able to do much financially, but you can pray. (side note: Why not pray that the Lord will provide through you?) Picture travelling as a family day after day, staying in one-room hotels and prophet's chambers. Missionaries need prayer for spiritual strength, patience, and family unity. We were blessed on deputation, but I have heard some real horror stories. Pray that God will bless the missionaries with churches who will be a blessing to them and for grace for those who are not. Missionaries need wisdom when their GPS sends them to a field instead of the church and they have twenty minutes to set up for service. Their children need pray that the effects of life on the road will build character and that people will be understanding when they are a little (okay if you've met Jerry A LOT) wound up after being strapped in a car seat for five hours. Put yourself in the missionary's shoes and you'll know what to pray for.

3. Finally, Paul expected that he "may with you (the church in Rome) be refreshed" Every missionary worth his weight in salt seeks to be a blessing to every church that he visits. I've not met one missionary who will say, "We need to be encouraged." But driving hours through city traffic on little sleep with crying children and bad directions can wear any one out. When a missionary enters a church he is wearing his best clothes and his "ministry" smile, even if he and his wife were bickering all the way up the front steps and the kids have been fussing because they didn't have time for supper before church. You may not see the "human" side of the missionary, but we are ALL human, sinners saved by grace, who still fight that old nature. Make it your responsibility to see that every missionary is refreshed when they leave your church. Give them the option of dinner out or maybe they would just like a pizza alone and an early bed time. If you have them for a few days, don't wear them out and at the same time, know that everyone wants to feel useful. Sitting around a hotel room all day is not easy on a man who is used to working 40-50 hours a week. Keep their present situation in mind.

For example: we had one pastor insist on having us to his house for dinner. We had just traveled from Maine to Utah with a two day stop in Missouri in five days total. The kids were cranky and Dad and Mom weren't feeling our best either. Keith asked if the pastor would mind whether we got our own supper and turned in early, but the pastor insisted. You can bet the kids were bad, they didn't know whether they wanted to run or sleep. Goodness, Momma wasn't feeling too polite herself. He kept us talking at his house even after his children were able to get ready for bed. We still hadn't had Saturday night baths yet or ironed Sunday clothes. Sunday, we were absolutely exhausted! The kids were pretty good until lunch. All we needed was a nap! Well, to shorten this story I will tell you that a while after this visit we received a letter from the pastor saying that our kids were undisciplined and that we should leave the ministry until we had our family under control!

The bottom line is... be a blessing to every missionary you are able to have come to your church. They want to be a blessing to you. It is God's job to prepare the missionary for life on the field not the church's. Help them on their way to the best of your ability (remember to ask God to provide). Pray for them often. And be a blessing -- a simple email saying,"I prayed for you." is enough to lift a missionary's spirits and get him to the next appointment.

Here's a video I've posted before. "Missionaries' Life" gives you a light-hearted inside look at deputation. Enjoy!

Earn free Amazon gift cards

2010-06-28T17:58:00.002-04:00

Who doesn't love free money?!

I know what you're thinking... nothing is ever truly free. In a sense you may be right. It will cost you few moments of your time to register. Just give me a chance to me explain.

I mentioned Swagbucks back in March. At the time, I had only used it for a few weeks. I first signed up March 12 of this year. Since that time I have effortlessly earned $30 for Amazon.ca.

I'll be honest with you, I hate sales pitchs and people trying to "sell" me things, but I just had to share this with my blogging friends. Here's how Swagbucks works:

Just click on the link and sign up. After that you simply follow the instruction to make Swagbucks your search engine. (Don't worry, you can still use your regular search engine if you don't find what you're looking for.) After that all you do is continue using your internet like normal. I'll admit that I probably earn a little more than some, because I have added my toolbar on both of the computers in our house. So whether I'm looking up activities for the kids, or recipes, or Bible study material, or my hubby is searching for material as he studies for sermons we have a chance to win Swagbucks. Doing this alone has won us the majority of our Swagbucks.

But it doesn't stop here... You can earn additional Swagbucks by finding Swag Codes. You will also earn 30 SB to get you started just by signing up. You can earn 4 SB everyday in less than a minute by visiting the Special Offers, Taking the Daily poll, Using the toolbar, and visiting the trusted Surveys.

The trusted surveys section is new to Swagbucks. Once you have signed up for Swagbucks just go on over and register for trusted surveys. You will earn Swagbucks for completing all of your profile surveys. After that you will receive different survey offers telling you what your chance is for qualifying. At first, I didn't qualify for any surveys, but the other day I not only qualified, but won 100 SB for it!

You can also earn by getting referrals. One of my $5 gift cards was basically won by my referrals. If you were to sign up here on my blog, I would get 1 SB for every SB you earned by using the Swagbuck Search engine up to 1000 SB. In turn, you can get others to sign up and you will earn 1 SB for every one they earn by searching up to 1000 SB for each referral!

So, what are you waiting for?

You can use your Swagbucks for other prizes as well, but I found that the $5 Amazon card is the best option. Most of the other gift card options come with "strings" attached. Amazon allows you to add the card to your account and save up until you have enough to purchase something. We are saving ours to buy a collection of Gary Cooper movies including the hard to find "Sargent York" (a favorite of ours.) You could also save for a free Christmas gift for someone.

Think about it. Even if you never use any other segment of Swagbucks, you can earn (okay, you're not really working, so I guess win would be a better word) just by doing your normal everyday searches on the Internet. So just click on the Swagbucks ad below and start earning today.

Family Baseball Day -- Victory Baptist Church

2010-06-25T16:19:00.003-04:00

Here are some photos from our Victory Baptist Church Family Day last weekend. We had a great day! Jerry hit his first ball with the help of Mr. Andrew and made it to second base before getting out. However, after that, he decided the monkey bars were a more exciting challenge. Keith found out that when you haven't pick up a bat in ten years you get a little rusty. He improved as the game progressed :o) Enjoy the pictures.

Train up a child in the way he SHOULD go......

2010-06-14T16:58:00.003-04:00

"I am much afraid that schools will prove to be the great gates of Hell unless they diligently labour in explaining the Holy Scriptures, engraving them in the hearts of youth. I advise no one to place his child where the Scriptures do not reign paramount. Every institution in which men are not increasingly occupied with the Word of God must become corrupt."

-- Martin Luther--

Today my heart is heavy because of the ignorance and irresponsibility of God's people. People who have been called by God to be parents.

Right now, I know of mothers whose hearts are breaking, because they truly have no choice but to send their children to a pubic school to be educated. They plead with the Almighty to protect and strengthen their children. I listened yesterday to a young girl who has been forced into a secular school by her father and saw the pain and anger on her face because she did not have a choice.

At the same time I know of parents who DO have a choice, but they have chosen to neglect God's Word and to send their little girl to the Enemy for her education. They are willing to sacrifice their little one because they're afraid. Whatever the reason, I am sickened and angered by it.

WHY? Why would born-again believers CHOOSE to sacrifice their child to Satan's indoctrination? They are no different than the Israelites who sacrificed their children to Baalam. God help these innocent children. Will a child's behavior improve in an over-crowded under-staffed classroom where they are taught that wrong and right are relative? Do parents really believe that what they say will over-ride what they do?!

If you are a truly born-again, child of God then you have the Holy Spirit within. Ask Him what He thinks of your choice? You know if you truly have no choice or if you simply have rejected the choice God has given you. I found this Bible study on education in the Bible. Bible And Education Read it in HONEST and HUMBLE prayer. God has already told you what He expects of you in His Word. If after reading this you still choose to sacrifice your child to Baalam, then read what He says in Matthew 18:6.

"But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea."

"Be not deceived; GOD IS NOT MOCKED: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh (or his child's flesh) shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we SHALL reap, IF WE FAINT NOT." Galatians 6:7-9

If you have selfishly made the choice to allow Satan to educate your child, then I plead with you to repent and obey God. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." God's forgiveness is never a license to continue in sin, but rather, it is the way to remove the offense and to restore one's relationship with God.

If it is fear that keeps you from obeying God's command to train up your child in the way he/she should go remember, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7 Go to your pastor, godly parents, other mature servants of God and you will find a wealth of resources and encouragement. If not, then find a church that stands on the Word of God and you will have help.

I realize that this is a little lengthy, but my heart is heavy because those I love have decided against God's Word and have broken the hearts of those who have been praying that they would heed the Bible; and because I watch others who pray that God would open doors so that their children could have a godly education and beg God to keep their children safe and pure in the ungodly world they have been forced into prematurely.

I would have written this to the couple in question directly, but I am not sure if it is my business to interfere directly or whether they would read it anyhow. Also, I know that they are not the only Christian parents out there who have chosen against God's Word. Lord willing, they will read this and be honest with themselves. No one who prays honestly can say that God has directed them to send their children to a secular, ungodly school. How can I say this so dogmatically? Because God's Word teaches otherwise.

Please, don't send your child to public school!! May God help you if you do.

New Website!!

2010-06-13T17:37:00.004-04:00

Hello, everyone. I would like to invite you to visit the new website for Victory Baptist Church: www.victoryinkenora.com. We will be adding new pages to it over the next few weeks. And if you're ever in Kenora, Ontario, we would love to have you visit. If you like camping, fishing, cottages, boating... the outdoors in general, Kenora would be a great place to vacation -- all that and a good, solid, IFB, KJV church to attend too!

Hello, from Kenora

2010-05-07T13:26:00.000-04:00

We're Back! We've missed you all. God has blessed beyond our wildest dreams. So much has happened in the last six weeks that I won't begin to try and tell you about it. We arrived in Kenora after three days of travelling in an over-packed van.

Today marks the end of our first week in Kenora, Ontario. I'm sorry to say, I did not get any pictures of our first service. Unfortunately, I woke up with the flu which was given to me by my loving son. Jerry and I did make it to both services. I guess you could say my physical being was at church, but the rest of me was home in bed.

We are really enjoying our new church. Wednesday, Josie asked, "When do we get to go back to church?" Before we arrived, our new church family were busy providing us with all the furniture and household items we needed after being on the road for two years. The house is beautiful ad it feels so good to be in one place. Our hearts go out to all of you who are still on deputation. All I can say is....

I now enjoy and appreciate housework!

Now that we are enjoying a "normal" life, we won't be posting as often as we have in the past. We are officially settled into our new house and look forward to getting to know our church family and town.

GOD IS GOOD!!!

Have a great day in the house of the Lord...

2010-04-03T08:54:00.000-04:00

Have a blessed Resurrection Sunday, tomorrow. We won't be posting much over the next month or so, since our access to the internet will be sporadic. Please keep us in prayer. We have several meetings book in April and then we will be moving to Kenora. Thank you for your prayers. -- Keith and Julie Loveless

The Duties of Parents, XIV. -- by John C. Ryle

2010-03-31T08:51:00.001-04:00

XV. Train them, remembering continually, the power of sin.

You must not expect to find your children's minds a sheet of pure white paper, and to have no trouble if you only use right means. I warn you plainly you will find no such thing. It is painful to see how much corruption and evil there is in a young child's heart, and how soon it begins to bear fruit. Violent tempers, self-will, pride, envy, irritability, passion, idleness, selfishness, deceit, cunning, lying, hypocrisy, a terrible aptitude to learn what is bad, a painful slowness to learn what is good, a readiness to pretend anything in order to gain their own ends—all these things, or some of them, you must be prepared to see, even in your own flesh and blood. In little ways they will creep out at a very early age; it is almost startling to observe how naturally they seem to spring up. Children require no schooling to learn how to sin.

But you must not be discouraged and depressed by what you see. You must not think it a strange and unusual thing, that little hearts can be so full of sin. It is the only inheritance which our father Adam left us; it is that fallen nature with which we come into the world; it is that inheritance which belongs to us all. May the awareness of it make you more diligent in using every possible means which seem most likely, by God's blessing, to counteract the evil. Let it make you more and more careful, so far it lies with you, to keep your children out of the way of temptation.

Never listen to those who tell you your children are good, and well brought up, and can be trusted. Rather, remember that their hearts are always ready to burst into flame like dry tinder. At their very best, they only need a spark to ignite their evil. Parents are seldom too cautious. Remember the natural depravity of your children, and be careful.

More of "The Duties of Parents" by John C. Ryle:

SECTION XIV

Download music CD for just $2

2010-03-30T09:04:00.007-04:00

If you like good, Christ-honoring music...

I just downloaded the BTM Sampler CD from BibleTruthMusic.com! It is available for only $2, plus a post! Get yours today by going to this link: Bible Truth Music

The CD contains 16 songs, one song each from 16 favorite Bible Truth Music recordings.

Song List:

1. Lift to the Savior an Anthem of Praise (from Victory Is Won)
2. Amazing Grace (from Rejoicing in Jesus)
3. He Went Away (from Speak Peace to My Heart)
4. Lifted Up (from One Voice of Praise)
5. There Is Grace (from I Can Tell the World)
6. When I'm Afraid (from Near to the Heart of God)
7. He Suffered All for Me (from This Is My Song)
8. I Believe (from Come to Jesus)
9. God So Loved (from Bible Songs for Kids #1)
10. I'll Live in Glory (from What a Happy Day!)
11. Sweet By and By (from Bless the Lord)
12. Just Over in the Gloryland (from This Glad Hour)
13. Go and Tell (from Go and Tell)
14. Christ Is Mine, Hallelujah! (from Christ Is Mine, Hallelujah!)
15. Heaven's My Home (from Keep Praising Him)
16. Prisoner of Hope (from There Is a Friend)

New Browser

2010-03-29T17:23:00.003-04:00

We've been having a lot of trouble with viewing blogs on Firefox and now Internet Explorer has started acting up. So today, I went online and searched for an answer. I found out about Google Chrome. It is great so far! I can read every blog, including our own blogs. Also, I've found it simpler and faster. I'm no genius, so simple is good.

For those of you who've never heard of it, Chrome uses the address window as its search window as well. You can set it to use whichever search engine you like. We use Swag bucks because it gives us free rewards (i.e. $5 Amazon gift cards! For more information scroll down a couple of posts and check it out.) I like the uncluttered toolbar and speed. One other great feature is that you can set Chrome to open with more than one page.

Okay, so this sound like a poorly written commercial. Sorry, I just thought I'd share my new find with you all in case you've been having trouble too {;o). Have a great day!

FIY: It looks like we've found a place to rent in Kenora! Praise the Lord.

Stop Hitting the Snooze Button

2010-03-28T22:42:00.000-04:00

Are you a morning person? Well, I 'm NOT! There's not much I wouldn't do for a few extra minutes of rest before I have to face my day. Back in the days when I was single, I would set an alarm to make sure I was up in time to get ready for work and catch the bus. Without fail, I would set the clock half an hour early, because I knew I would hit "snooze" several times. I know what you're thinking, "Why not just set it for the correct time and actually get out of bed?" Well, if you know me or anyone like me, you'd understand that my reasoning abilities don't kick in until sometime around noon.

"Awake, my soul, and sing of Him who died for thee..."

As we sang the above words this morning, my mind started thinking about how it was time we, as God's servants, stopped hitting the snooze button.

Proverbs 10:5 "...but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame."

Matthew 9:37,38 "Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest."

Romans 13:11,12 "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand..."

I Corinthians 15:34 "Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame."

I Thessalonians 5:6 "Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober."

It's time to stop hitting the snooze button!

Earn free Amazon gift cards!

2010-03-27T14:30:00.001-04:00

Two weeks ago, I heard about Swagbucks. At first, I thought it was crazy. But... what have I got to lose? Its so easy to use and in two weeks, we received enough swagbucks to get a $5 gift card for Amazon. All you do is sign up and use the Swagbucks search window instead of google or whatever you use. The swagbucks are given out randomly. You can redeem them for different things, but I found the best deal was for the Amazon gift card. You can save them up and use multiple cards to buy something. This is one internet offer that works! Just click on the banner above and get started earning points for free gifts. The offer is good in both Canada and the USA. Why don't you try it for a couple of weeks? It can't hurt.

God -- the Father

2010-03-23T16:06:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago, I was reading in Nehemiah, where I found an amazing and humbling truth.

God the Father is the best example of parenthood. The Bible is full of characteristics of our Heavenly Father, but in Nehemiah chapter nine I found a list of things which are indicative of God's parenting "style".

In this chapter we find Israel as a rebellious child and the Father's response to His children.

Verse 17 shows that God is:
1. Ready to pardon
2. Gracious and merciful
3. Slow to anger (ouch! that one hurt)
4. Of great kindness
5. Faithful -- He never forsakes His children

Verse 19 shows God:
6. Leads His children (notice it says lead, children follow our example more than our instruction)
7. Shows them light (I liken this to sharing the Light of God's Word)
8. Shows them the way wherein they should go (sound familiar? Proverbs 22:6)

Verse 20-25 says God:
9. Gave His Spirit to instruct (It should be our primary goal to see our children saved and living Holy Spirit-filled lives)
10. Provides for the physical needs of His children
11. Blesses His children

Verse 26, 27
12. God punishes rebellion

In this chapter you will also find that God the Father:
13. Seeks restoration when a child has rebelled
14. Provokes true repentence
15. Finally, God the Father forgives

What a challenge! Remember, "Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it." I Thessalonians 5:24

Answered Prayer...

2010-03-18T15:33:00.002-04:00

Almost two years ago, we left our home in Aylmer, Ontario. From there we headed up to South Indian Lake, Manitoba where we spent the summer serving in the church while missionaries Tom and Cathy Talley went on a furlough. While we were in the North, we visited the Town of Gillam. We only had a few hours, but this is were we believed God wanted us to start a church.

As we continued on deputation, the Lord put a desire in our heart to be on the field in May of 2010. This seemed a little preposterous since our support seemed very slow in coming. But we kept going in faith. As time went on and our faith wavered, we kept the idea of being on the field so soon to ourselves. You know, just in case.

At the end of 2009, we started praying more earnestly for God to make His will clear. It seemed that with the situation in Gillam, housing was virtually non-existent. We tried and tried to make contacts, to search the housing market, but God just kept closing doors. We knew that He was testing our faith and our faithfulness. Knowing that God could open doors as well as close them, Keith and I started praying without the other's knowledge. We were praying that God would send us a “man from Macedonia” to show us if He truly wanted us in Gillam, or somewhere else. A month went by and nothing. Meanwhile, we started looking at the need in other communities.

Then at just the right time, God answered our prayer. We received a call from Bro. Jeff Freisen, Pastor of Victory Baptist Church in Kenora,Ontario. It would seem that just about the time we started praying for God to give us clear direction, God started working in the Freisen's life. Bro. Freisen was needed back at his home church to fill the position of assistant pastor. The assistant pastor that was there was being called to pastor a church in Southern Ontario. Bro. Freisen was asking God who should replace him and the Lord placed Keith's name on his heart. It made no sense, since we were heading to another town and he had only met us once over a year earlier. But Keith's was the name God gave Bro. Freisen.

To shorten this story a little, we will fast forward to the last two months. Needless to say, Bro. Jeff Freisen was our “man from Macedonia”, saying come over and help us. After visiting the church and getting to know the people, the church voted to have Keith come back to candidate for the position of pastor. This was the reason Keith was in Kenora this past weekend. Last night, Victory Baptist Church of Kenora, Ontario voted to have Keith come to Kenora and be their pastor. Our first service will be May 9, Mother's Day.

When this started, we wondered how God could call us to one town and then change directions. But did He change directions? You see, if we had never started on this journey we would not have been in the right place for God to show us His complete plan. During the past two years, God has used each circumstance to prepare us for this time and place. During deputation our eyes were opened to the GREAT need for men and woman to take a clear stand on God's preserved Word, the King James Bible. Our stand has been strengthened. Facing the necessity of relying solely upon God's provision to meet our needs has strengthened our faith. Traveling together as a family has made us closer. We have met dear folks who will be friends for life. God is good.

I'm glad God didn't reveal His will all at once. The responsibility of shepherding God's people is a fearful thing, but we know that God will be with us and He gives grace and wisdom. After a week in Kenora, we felt like we found our church family. These dear people love the Lord, His Word, and Missions. When I was younger, I sang a song called, “Unmerited Favor.” That is how we feel, like God has bestowed favor on us that we do not deserve.

We look forward to seeing how God will provide for our housing, and the balance of support we will need. God has done so much for us. Please pray with us that God will use us to be a blessing to our new church family. I'm sorry this post is a little long, but God has done so much for us it has been difficult to keep it this short.

"That I May Know Him..."

2010-03-18T00:06:00.004-04:00

"As sure as God puts His children in the furnace, He will be in the furnace with them." -- C.H. Spurgeon

Keith often preaches about faith. He talks about the fact that every child of God is either in the midst of a storm, coming out of a storm, or is about to head into a storm. You see, it's in the storm that our faith is tried. Too often we ask God to deliver us from a trial, when what we really need is to endure the trial. There is no shame in wanting deliverance, but it is in the trial that we learn to know Christ.

"That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;" Philippians 3:10

To know Christ... That is my desire.

What storm are you facing? Are you seeking to know Christ? Have you recently survived a storm? Are you using what you've learned to help others through their storm? Are you about to enter a storm? Are you ready to know Christ AND the power of His resurrection? Whatever your state is... Know that God is in the furnace with you.

The Duties of Parents, XIV. -- by John C. Ryle

2010-03-16T19:21:00.001-04:00

XIV. Train them remembering continually the influence; of your own example.

Instruction, and advice, and commands will profit little, unless they are backed up by the pattern of your own life. Your children will never believe you are in earnest, and really wish them to obey you, so long as your actions contradict your counsel. Archbishop Tillotson made a wise remark when he said, "To give children good instruction, and a bad example, is but beckoning to them with the head to show them the way to heaven, while we take them by the hand and lead them in the way to hell."

We little know the force and power of example. No one of us can live to himself in this world; we are always influencing those around us, in one way or another, either for good or for evil, either for God or for sin. They see our ways, they mark our conduct, they observe our behaviour, and what they see us practice, that they may fairly suppose we think right. And never, I believe, does example tell so powerfully as it does in the case of parents and children.

Fathers and mothers, do not forget that children learn more by the eye than they do by the ear. No school will make such deep marks on character as home. The best of schoolmasters will not imprint on their minds as much as they will pick up at your fireside. Imitation is a far stronger principle with children than memory. What they see has a much stronger effect on their minds than what they are told.

Take care, then, what you do before a child. It is a true proverb, "Who sins before a child, sins double." Strive rather to be a living epistle of Christ, such as your families can read, and that plainly too. Be an example of reverence for the Word of God, reverence in prayer, reverence for means of grace, reverence for the Lord's day. Be an example in words, in temper, in diligence, in temperance, in faith, in charity, in kindness, in humility. Think not your children will practise what they do not see you do. You are their model picture, and they will copy what you are. Your reasoning and your lecturing, your wise commands and your good advice; all this they may not understand, but they can understand your life.

Children are very quick observers; very quick in seeing through some kinds of hypocrisy, very quick in finding out what you really think and feel, very quick in adopting all your ways and opinions. You will often find as the father is, so is the son.

Remember the word that the conqueror Caesar always used to his soldiers in a battle. He did not say "Go forward," but "Come." So it must be with you in training your children. They will seldom learn habits which they see you despise, or walk in paths in which you do not walk yourself. He that preaches to his children what he does not practice, is working a work that never goes forward. It is like the fabled web of Penelope of old, who wove all day, and unwove all night. Even so, the parent who tries to train without setting a good example is building with one hand, and pulling down with the other.

More of "The Duties of Parents" by John C. Ryle:

INTRODUCTION

SECTION VI
SECTION VII

SECTION VIII
SECTION IX

SECTION X

SECTION XI

SECTION XII
SECTION XIII

My Honey is Home

2010-03-15T22:05:00.000-04:00

Thanks for your prayers, everyone. Keith is back safe and sound. He had a really good time while in Kenora. God is good. We truly do appreciate your prayers. Well, I'm off to spend some time with my hubby or as Josie calls him, my Honey Bunny. Have a good evening.

Public Education - or - Russian Roulette?

2010-03-12T18:07:00.005-05:00

Today we were sent a very angry comment which I chose to reject due to the offensive manner in which it was written. The writer was upset and offended by the stand we take against public education. I would not be so arrogant to think that NO child can be educated in a state run school and still be a strong servant of God. That is simply not so. My husband attended public school for the majority of his education. Miss L stated that it was not the school's job to teach our kids the Bible.

It is not so much about what they don't teach in the public schools as much as what they do teach.

What we do believe is, that there is a REAL danger in the public education system. We also believe that the education of children is a responsibility given to parents by God. God gives each family specific children for a reason. You are the parents of those children because God chose you. You have the experiences, the knowledge, and the temperament, best suited to raise that child to the glory of God.

Is your teaching being compromised? Your children spend more time under the influence of an education system that is nothing more than propaganda, promoting the agenda of Satan Himself, than the influence of you and your church. What was it that Hitler said? Something about... if you say it loud enough and long enough the people will believe it? I've found it to be true that children learn by repetition and example. In school they are sat down and taught that you are a liar, that God is a fairy tale designed by poor uneducated ignoramuses. They are told that sexual orientation is something that "nature" chooses. They are taught that they are more informed than their parents. They are taught that God's idea of family is oppression. They are taught all these things and more. And it is repeated over and over and over again. They see it lived day after day. Aren't parents taking a very big risk that their teaching won't be lost in the smoke? Isn't it playing Russian Roulette with your children's spiritual welfare?

I'm sorry if I've stepped out of line in the manner in which I've stated our views. But I do not apologize for the stand we take. We feel very strong about this and have chosen to home-school our children. If you have not chosen to do that, well, all I can say is, let God be the Judge. I have not nor will I ever go to someone else's blog or web site and comment in such an offensive manner. We are not to argue and fuss with one another. Miss L has the ability to feel the way she does about her choice, I do not begrudge her of her freedom of speech. However, I also ask that I be given the same respect. This is our blog where we share our beliefs. If Miss L. wants to share her beliefs on a blog she may start one of her own.

If you have been put in a position where you have lost the privilege of educating your child the Bible way, I hope you realize that I'm not talking about you. I know your heart aches for your children. God also knows and will protect them. My heart goes out to you.

If you think that what we are saying is a bunch of hype, then please, I beg you to go to this site and watch the news special by Fox News. Here's the link to the Glenn Beck Show March 5, 2010. It is about forty minutes long and I will warn you that it does use cr_p a few times and quietly uses one other cuss word. However, the message is unbelievable! The show encourages you to watch it with your children, but I would suggest watching it first and then decide if you want your children watching it or simply to talk to them about it. These are real dangers and history IS repeating itself.

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

May God have pity on both the United States of America and Canada for relinquishing our freedoms at the expense of our children.

Up, Up, and Away!

2010-03-11T14:01:00.035-05:00

Well, Keith is in the air! It looks like God has heard our prayers for good weather. Please continue to pray that he will have a good time of fellowship with the people of Victory Baptist Church and that the next four days will go super fast!

If you're reading this, Babe, Josie says,"I miss Daddy already." And Jerry said, "Nothing's fun, 'cause Daddy's not here.When Daddy's here everything is fun." Kaylee still doesn't seem to realize your gone, sorry, Honey. I love you and miss you.

For the rest of you... Have a great day and thanks for your prayers.

God is GREAT!!!

2010-03-10T10:08:00.000-05:00

God has been doing amazing, wonderful things in our life. Tomorrow, Keith has a flight to Kenora, Ontario. Please keep him in prayer. Pray for good weather for the flights and for a good service on Sunday. Also, pray for me as I'll be a single mom for four days! I've never been away from Keith for the Lord's day before either. Although, I will miss him, I'm glad I get to stay here where it is calling for highs of 20C!

As for the blog, we figured out the problem was with Mozilla (Firefox). When we view the blogs in Internet Explorer, we have no problems. I'm still not sure why its not working in Firefox all of a sudden. Firefox is the best for posting since it allows me to cut and paste while Explorer does not. Oh well! as long as its working.

Have a great day

Blog Trouble

2010-03-09T15:24:00.001-05:00

Does our blog look funny to anyone else? Last night it went wacky and then this morning it was normal again. I just checked and its all wacky again. In addition to the background color, some of our followers photos aren't appearing. I would like to know if its our computer or the blog itself. Thanks for letting us know.

A good work...

2010-03-09T15:23:00.000-05:00

Just a thought... The good work that Christ started in you doesn't end with your death. It continues until the

day of Jesus Christ! Are you letting Christ work in you?

Sorry for the mess....

2010-03-08T17:59:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the state of our blog. I'm not sure what has happened and since I'm tech-challenged,it might take a few days to fix. In the meanwhile, I've started a ladies blog, "Love... In A Loveless World." Thanks for your patience.

Z is for Zoo...

2010-03-05T22:12:00.001-05:00

Today was absolutely beautiful! It reached into the double digits Celsius. Sorry, American friends, I still haven't got a handle on Fahrenheit. The sky was blue and sunny. A perfect, Spring-is-Coming kinda day!

It was just what we (I) needed! A day with just us. We decided to take the kids to the St. Louis Zoo. A great deal if you're ever in the area. The zoo itself is free and parking is only $11. Maybe this doesn't impress you, but I grew up with the Toronto Zoo which is (or at least has been) very expensive!

Here are some pictures we took. Keith actually had the camera for part of the day, so I managed to get in a shot with Kaylee! Oops... no Keith though.

Looking at some of these animals, one has to admit that God has a sense of humor. If you don't believe me look in the mirror tomorrow morning, before you freshen up! Why some Christians walk around thinking sober means somber is beyond me! Why would the Bible have words like laughter and joy if God meant us to look all serious and somber all the time? So, smile and enjoy God's creation. Just be careful not to crack your face!

"What a Wonderful World"

2010-03-03T14:30:00.000-05:00

Prayer Request Updates...

2010-03-02T23:20:00.002-05:00

Thanks to everyone who has been praying for the Mc Crumb Family. Julie is home and recovering.

Praise the Lord!

And concerning our friends, no baby yet. The doctors are beginning to think that things are not as serious as they once believed and that Momma can have the baby when he/she is ready to come. She will still need to take the little one in for testing after he/she is born. Again, Praise the Lord! If you think about it, please continue to pray for both Momma and baby (and Daddy and big brothers and sisters too).

Although, this means no birthday twin for Jerry. {:o(

I know that some of you have been praying for direction for our family and ministry. Thank you, God is doing great things and is answering prayers in ways above our wildest imaginations! Please continue to pray for all involved over the next few weeks as we find out if this door is truly God's leading. Lord willing, we will have some news before the end of the month.

God is good!!!

Thanks for your prayers!

Happy Birthday, Jerry!

2010-03-02T11:42:00.030-05:00

LOOK WHO'S 5!!!

Happy birthday Boo.

Today, started early with a very excited birthday boy!

Jerry has been waiting nine long months to be as big as his cousin Samantha.

He decided on chocolate gravy and biscuits for breakfast. So, I'd better get cooking!

... Well, we finished breakfast and I'm a few pounds heavier. While I was making breakfast, Jerry got a call from Grandma and Poppa. He also got a few email "Happy Birthday's"

Keith and I were watching some video clips of Jerry's toddler days last night. Here's one of my favorites:

Future pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinal's?

And here's one of Keith's favorites:

Jerry still does these faces three years later!

Side Note: We have a friend who is going in today to have her baby. The baby does have some physical complications that may or may not be serious depending on the extent of the problem. Please, keep them in prayer today that all will be well and both Mom and Baby will be fine. Thank you.

Cheap, Super Easy Donuts

2010-03-01T10:52:00.001-05:00

You will be surprised by how easy these are! I've made them twice now and the whole family just gobbles them up. Next time you have a craving for donuts, try these.

DONUTS

refrigerate biscuits (I know what you're thinking...but, don't knock it 'til you try it)

enough melted shortening or vegetable oil to cover about 1-2 inches of a pan

Heat oil on medium to medium/high heat for about five minutes.

(If your oil starts smoking its too hot! I found medium was perfect)

Shape biscuits by poking a hole into the dough and stretching it out.

Drop dough into heated oil (Learn from my mistake and test the oil with only one donut! We lost three this morning to oil that was too hot. The outsides cooked before the inside was finished.)

Heat until a dark golden brown (It doesn't take long so don't put too many in at a time)

Flip and cook the other side.

Drain on wire rack with paper towel underneath

(Keith's dad doesn't have a wire rack so I just put them on paper towels.)

Next cover them with whatever you like best. The first time, I put icing sugar (powder/confectioners sugar) and cinnamon in a large Ziploc and shook up the donuts while they were warm.

This time I found a recipe for glaze and made cinnamon glaze, vanilla glaze, and chocolate glaze.

If you live in the USA this is a SUPER inexpensive treat. We buy the biscuits at Save-A-Lot for forty cents a roll. This morning I made three rolls. The other ingredients were already in the pantry. A special breakfast treat for $1.20 that fed three adults and three small children. (I could have made more, but then we'd eat them!) I only wish we hadn't forgotten to buy some coffee on Saturday!

I've tried donuts from scratch before and, well... they didn't work so good! These are so simple. Enjoy.

I love collecting recipes that are cheap, simple, AND tasty. If you have any, I would love to try them. Have a great day and have a donut.

Free4ever....

2010-02-28T21:50:00.009-05:00

"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall

'SET' you free?"

The preacher had the congregation quote John 8:32 this morning.

And like most people, everyone said,
"set you free."

This was my first response, but it didn't sound right so I looked it up.

John 8:32

"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall MAKE you free."

How often is this Scripture misquoted? An easy mistake.

Does it really make a difference?

SET...

MAKE...

Is there a difference?

YES!

You see, a guilty man can be SET free, but only Christ's blood can MAKE him free.

SO... Here's the difference.

One is what you are (set you free) and the other is who you are (make you free)...

Have you been set free through good works, church attendance, baptism, heritage?

If, yes... then your soul is still in bondage.

Come to Christ and He can MAKE you free. Free forever!

Have you been made free, but you still live as if you 're in bondage?

Ask for forgiveness and BE FREE!!!

Next time you hear this verse quoted, remember...

"Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall MAKE you FREE."

John 8:32

If you need to know more about how to receive this freedom in Christ, don't hesitate to comment or email. God is waiting to MAKE you FREE!!!

The Best Scripture CD's -- For the Young and the Young-at-heart!

2010-02-27T21:41:00.001-05:00

Hooray! Bible Truth Music has just released the fourth volume of Bible Songs for Kids.

These are my absolute favorite CD's!

Each volume has twenty-five KJV Scriptures set to original music. Think about it! 100 KJV Scripture songs in total. If you're like us, you find it much easier to memorize songs than just verses.

AND...

These are not folky either!

These are sung by kids and the music is upbeat, yet conservative.

A great gift for visiting missionaries. (I'm not just saying this because we're missionaries, we're already planning on buying it ;-) We listen to a lot of music while driving!!!

Click on the above picture to visit the Bible Truth site. You will not be disappointed! They offer a variety of music styles. And all are conservative and God-honoring; You're sure to find something you like.

I need your help....

2010-02-27T17:55:00.000-05:00

My baby's growing up! He will be the BIG 5 on Tuesday. I would like to put together a slide presentation for him, but can't think of a good song.

Have any ideas?

Something old or new, doesn't matter as long as it doesn't have a worldly theme.

This is a big birthday for him...

Next year, he will be old enough for school. Time sure flies!

The Duties of Parents, XIII. -- by John C. Ryle

2010-02-26T22:27:00.001-05:00

XIII. Train them remembering continually how God trains His children.

The Bible tells us that God has an elect people, a family in this world. All poor sinners who have been convinced of sin, and fled to Jesus for peace, make up that family. All of us who really believe on Christ for salvation are its members.

Now God the Father is ever training the members of this family for their everlasting abode with Him in heaven. He acts as a husbandman pruning his vines, that they may bear more fruit. He knows the character of each of us, our besetting sins, our weaknesses, our peculiar infirmities, our special wants. He knows our works and where we dwell, who are our companions in life, and what are our trials, what our temptations, and what are our privileges. He knows all these things, and is ever ordering all for our good. He allots to each of us, in His providence, the very things we need, in order to bear the most fruit, as much of sunshine as we can stand, and as much of rain, as much of bitter things as we can bear, and as much of sweet. Reader, if you would train your children wisely, mark well how God the Father trains His. He doeth all things well; the plan which He adopts must be right.

See, then, how many things there are which God withholds from His children. Few could be found, I suspect, among them who have not had desires which He has never been pleased to fulfil. There has often been some one thing they wanted to attain, and yet there has always been some barrier to prevent attainment. It has been just as if God was placing it above our reach, and saying, "This is not good for you; this must not be." Moses desired exceedingly to cross over Jordan, and see the goodly land of promise; but you will remember his desire was never granted.

See, too, how often God leads His people by ways which seem dark and mysterious to our eyes. We cannot see the meaning of all His dealings with us; we cannot see the reasonableness of the path in which our feet are treading. Sometimes so many trials have assailed us, so many difficulties encompassed us, that we have not been able to discover the needs-be of it all. It has been just as if our Father was taking us by the hand into a dark place and saying, "Ask no questions, but follow Me." There was a direct road from Egypt to Canaan, yet Israel was not led into it; but round, through the wilderness. And this seemed hard at the time. "The soul of the people," we are told, "was much discouraged because of the way" (Exod. xiii. 17; Num. xxi. 4).

See, also, how often God chastens His people with trial and affliction. He sends them crosses and disappointments; He lays them low with sickness; He strips them of property and friends; He changes them from one position to another; He visits them with things most hard to flesh and blood; and some of us have well-nigh fainted under the burdens laid upon us. We have felt pressed beyond strength, and have been almost ready to murmur at the hand which chastened us. Paul the Apostle had a thorn in the flesh appointed him, some bitter bodily trial, no doubt, though we know not exactly what it was. But this we know, he besought the Lord thrice that it might be removed; yet it was not taken away (2 Cor. xii. 8, 9).

Now, reader, notwithstanding all these things, did you ever hear of a single child of God who thought his Father did not treat him wisely? No, I am sure you never did. God's children would always tell you, in the long run, it was a blessed thing they did not have their own way, and that God had done far better for them than they could have done for themselves. Yes! And they could tell you, too, that God's dealings had provided more happiness for them than they ever would have obtained themselves, and that His way, however dark at times, was the way of pleasantness and the path of peace.

I ask you to lay to heart the lesson which God's dealings with His people is meant to teach you. Fear not to withhold from your child anything you think will do him harm, whatever his own wishes may be. This is God's plan.

Hesitate not to lay on him commands, of which he may not at present see the wisdom, and to guide him in ways which may not now seem reasonable to his mind. This is God's plan.

Shrink not from chastising and correcting him whenever you see his soul's health requires it, however painful it may be to your feelings; and remember medicines for the mind must not be rejected because they are bitter. This is God's plan.

And be not afraid, above all, that such a plan of training will make your child unhappy. I warn you against this delusion. Depend on it, there is no surer road to unhappiness than always having our own way. To have our wills checked and denied is a blessed thing for us; it makes us value enjoyments when they come. To be indulged perpetually is the way to be made selfish; and selfish people and spoiled children, believe me, are seldom happy.

Reader, be not wiser than God; train your children as He trains His.

More of "The Duties of Parents" by John C. Ryle:

INTRODUCTION

SECTION VI
SECTION VII

SECTION VIII
SECTION IX

SECTION X

SECTION XI

SECTION XII

What we've been up to...

2010-02-26T15:17:00.008-05:00

We spent some time with Victory Baptist Church in Kenora, ON recently. On Friday night, they provided a babysitter for the kids and we got to go out for dinner with some of the couples from church. It was the first time in a VERY long time that we got out without the kids!

Then on Monday, we joined the church for a family skate day. Well, Keith and the kids had never been on skates before and I really have never learned how to skate. Here are some pictures of the family...

Jerry is a true Canadian (half-Canadian). He's decided that he loves hockey!

Josie really took to skating. Here she's trying to copy Miss Mary's figure skating.

Here I am on skates! Some of the girls talked me into getting on the ice twice! The Lord "kept my foot from being taken" and I managed to stay upright.

Notice Keith's lack of skates!

In his defense, he does have a bad knee. Kaylee mostly enjoyed being pushed around by everyone else.

Here's my baby and I. (Above NOT below :oB)

We also had an opportunity to attend the mission conference at Pembina Valley Baptist Church. On Thursday evening, I had the privilege of meeting Deb Bolack face-to-face. She has been such a blessing to me on her blogs and through the comments she has left me. It was nice to talk to her in person. Lord willing, we will see more of each other in the future.

Deb has a son named Jerry who is five years older than our Jerry. From what she's said they're two-peas-in-a-pod. I believe it!

It was great fellowshipping with so many brothers and sisters in Christ.

One thing we have found on deputation is that good, King James Bible Believing churches are hard to come by. Often they are either "over-the-edge" (adding to the doctrines of the Bible) or gone the way of the world (watering down the doctrines of the Bible.) But in the last few weeks, we have attended three good, solid churches and had good fellowship with many like-minded believers. God has been doing great things in our lives. Praise the Lord!

The Duties of Parents, XII. -- by John C. Ryle

2010-02-24T19:49:00.000-05:00

XII. Train them with a constant fear of over-indulgence.

This is the one point of all on which you have most need to be on your guard. It is natural to be tender and affectionate towards your own flesh and blood, and it is the excess of this very tenderness and affection which you have to fear. Take heed that it does not make you blind to your children's faults, and deaf to all advice about them. Take heed lest it make you overlook bad conduct, rather than have the pain of inflicting punishment and correction.

I know well that punishment and correction are disagreeable things. Nothing is more unpleasant than giving pain to those we love, and calling forth their tears. But so long as hearts are what hearts are, it is vain to suppose, as a general rule, that children can ever be brought up without correction.

Spoiling is a very expressive word, and sadly full of meaning. Now it is the shortest way to spoil children to let them have their own way, to allow them to do wrong and not to punish them for it. Believe me, you must not do it, whatever pain it may cost you unless you wish to ruin your children's souls.

You cannot say that Scripture does not speak expressly on this subject: "He that spareth his rod, hateth his son; but he that loveth him, chasteneth him betimes" (Prov. xiii. 24). "Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying" (Prov. xix. 18). "Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child: but the rod of correction shall drive it from him" (Prov. xxii. 15). "Withhold not correction from the child, for if thou beatest him with the rod he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and deliver his soul from hell" (Prov. xxiii. 13, 14). "The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame." "Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest, yea, he shall give delight to thy soul" (Prov. xxix. 15, 17).

How strong and forcible are these texts! How melancholy is the fact, that in many Christian families they seem almost unknown! Their children need reproof, but it is hardly ever given; they need correction, but it is hardly ever employed. And yet this book of Proverbs is not obsolete and unfit for Christians. It is given by inspiration of God, and profitable. It is given for our learning, even as the Epistles to the Romans and Ephesians. Surely the believer who brings up his children without attention to its counsel is making himself wise above that which is written, and greatly errs.

Fathers and mothers, I tell you plainly, if you never punish your children when they are in fault, you are doing them a grievous wrong. I warn you, this is the rock on which the saints of God, in every age, have only too frequently made shipwreck. I would fain persuade you to be wise in time, and keep clear of it. See it in Eli's case. His sons Hophni and Phinehas "made themselves vile, and he restrained them not." He gave them no more than a tame and lukewarm reproof, when he ought to have rebuked them sharply. In one word, he honoured his sons above God. And what was the end of these things? He lived to hear of the death of both his sons in battle, and his own grey hairs were brought down with sorrow to the grave (1 Sam. ii. 22- 29, iii. 13).

See, too, the case of David. Who can read without pain the history of his children, and their sins? Amnon's incest, Absalom's murder and proud rebellion, -Adonijah's scheming ambition: truly these were grievous wounds for the man after God's own heart to receive from his own house. But was there no fault on his side? I fear there can be no doubt there was. I find a clue to it all in the account of Adonijah in 1 Kings i. 6: "His father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so?" There was the foundation of all the mischief. David was an over-indulgent father, a father who let his children have their own way, and he reaped according as he had sown.

Parents, I beseech you, for your children's sake, beware of over-indulgence. I call on you to remember, it is your first duty to consult their real interests, and not their fancies and likings; to train them, not to humour them to profit, not merely to please.

You must not give way to every wish and caprice of your child's mind, however much you may love him. You must not let him suppose his will is to be everything, and that he has only to desire a thing and it will be done. Do not, I pray you, make your children idols, lest God should take them away, and break your idol, just to convince you of your folly.

Learn to say "No" to your children. Show them that you are able to refuse whatever you think is not fit for them. Show them that you are ready to punish disobedience, and that when you speak of punishment, you are not only ready to threaten, but also to perform. Do not threaten too much. Threatened folks, and threatened faults, live long. Punish seldom, but really and in good earnest, frequent and slight punishment is a wretched system indeed.

Some parents and nurses have a way of saying, "Naughty child," to a boy or girl on every slight occasion, and often without good cause. It is a very foolish habit. Words of blame should never be used without real reason.

As to the best way of punishing a child, no general rule can be laid down. The characters of children are so exceedingly different, that what would be a severe punishment to one child, would be no punishment at all to another. I only beg to enter my decided protest against the modern notion that no child ought ever to be whipped. Doubtless some parents use bodily correction far too much, and far too violently; but many others, I fear, use it far too little.

Beware of letting small faults pass unnoticed under the idea "it is a little one." There are no little things in training children; all are important. Little weeds need plucking up as much as any. Leave them alone, and they will soon be great.

Reader, if there be any point which deserves your attention, believe me, it is this one. It is one that will give you trouble, I know. But if you do not take trouble with your children when they are young, they will give you trouble when they are old. Choose which you prefer.

More of "The Duties of Parents" by John C. Ryle:

INTRODUCTION

SECTION VI
SECTION VII

SECTION VIII
SECTION IX

SECTION X

SECTION XI

Thanks to you all!

2010-02-23T11:22:00.002-05:00

Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to visit our blog.

You have hailed form twenty-three different nations!

Lord willing, you have been encouraged in some way.

We would like to know who you are. So, please take a moment to click on "comments" and introduce yourself. If you have a blog, feel free to leave the address so that we can have the privilege of meeting you. Just knowing that you have taken the time to read our post is an encouragement to us. Thank You!!

"...Forget to pray and you'll SHREK????"

2010-02-22T00:05:00.001-05:00

Read your Bible pray every day and you'll grow... grow... grow!

BUT

... forget to pray and you'll SHRINK???!!!

Sitting at a table having a snack before bed, Josie leans over to me and says...

"Ma'am (*that's a whole other story), I'm goin' pray every day for you, 'cause I don't want you to shrek."

"I'm so glad that you're going to pray for me, but WHY did you say you're going to pray for me?"

"I have to pray for you every day, 'cause I don't want you to shrek. You know... if you don't pray every day you'll shrek and I don't want you to shrek 'cause I love you."

"Ohhhh... you mean shrink?!"

"Yes, shrek."

(Jerry) "No. YOU won't shrink, you're RESTAURANT WITH GOD will shrink."

"Honey, I think you mean your relationship with God."

"Yeah, its your relationship with God that shrinks... NOT you."

(Josie) "Well, I'm going keep praying for you everyday so you won't shrek like we sang in nursery tonight."

"Thanks, darlin', Momma's need prayer too."

*note: for some strange reason today Josie has decided to call me Ma'am, which I do not like! I've explained to her several times that she should only say "ma'am" when she is answering respectfully to a command or if talking to a lady when she's not sure of the name. Yet, she says that she likes Ma'am better than Momma. Hopefully this isn't going to be like when she was two and decided she wanted to call Daddy, Bob. (Daddy's name is Brian Keith and he answers to Keith NOT Bob!) That lasted quite some time.

The Duties of Parents, XI. -- by John C. Ryle

2010-02-20T17:23:00.002-05:00

XI. Train them to a habit of always redeeming the time.

Idleness is the devil's best friend. It is the surest way to give him an opportunity of doing us harm. An idle mind is like an open door, and if Satan does not enter in himself by it, it is certain he will throw in something to raise bad thoughts in our souls.

No created being was ever meant to be idle. Service and work is the appointed portion of every creature of God. The angels in heaven work, they are the Lord's ministering servants, ever doing His will. Adam, in Paradise, had work, he was appointed to dress the garden of Eden, and to keep it. The redeemed saints in glory will have work,"They rest not day and night singing praise and glory to Him who bought them." And man, weak, sinful man, must have something to do, or else his soul will soon get into an unhealthy state. We must have our hands filled, and our minds occupied with something, or else our imaginations will soon ferment and breed mischief.

And what is true of us, is true of our children too. Alas, indeed, for the man that has nothing to do! The Jews thought idleness a positive sin: it was a law of theirs that every man should bring up his son to some useful trade, and they were right. They knew the heart of man better than some of us appear to do.

Idleness made Sodom what she was. "This was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her" (Ezek. xvi. 49). Idleness had much to do with David's awful sin with the wife of Uriah. I see in 2 Sam. xi. that Joab went out to war against Ammon, "but David tarried still at Jerusalem." Was not that idle? And then it was that he saw Bathsheba, and the next step we read of is his tremendous and miserable fall.

Verily, I believe that idleness has led to more sin than almost any other habit that could be named. I suspect it is the mother of many a work of the flesh, the mother of adultery, fornication, drunkenness, and many other deeds of darkness that I have not time to name. Let your own conscience say whether I do not speak the truth. You were idle, and at once the devil knocked at the door and came in.

And indeed I do not wonder ; everything in the world around us seems to teach the same lesson. It is the still water which becomes stagnant and impure: the running, moving streams are always clear. If you have steam machinery, you must work it, or it soon gets out of order. If you have a horse, you must exercise him; he is never so well as when he has regular work. If you would have good bodily health yourself, you must take exercise. If you always sit still, your body is sure at length to complain. And just so is it with the soul. The active moving mind is a hard mark for the devil to shoot at. Try to be always full of useful employment, and thus your enemy will find it difficult to get room to sow tares.

Reader, I ask you to set these things before the minds of your children. Teach them the value of time, and try to make them learn the habit of using it well. It pains me to see children idling over what they have in hand, whatever it may be. I love to see them active and industrious, and giving their whole heart to all they do; giving their whole heart to lessons, when they have to learn; giving their whole heart even to their amusements, when they go to play.

But if you love them well, let idleness be counted a sin in your family.

More of "The Duties of Parents" by John C. Ryle:

INTRODUCTION

SECTION VI
SECTION VII

SECTION VIII
SECTION IX

SECTION X

Update on Julie McCrum

2010-02-17T23:52:00.001-05:00

UPDATE DIRECTLY FROM DAVID MCCRUM – SOUTH AFRICA -

Saturday, February 13, 9.35pm

Our dear Friends,

Friday afternoon our family was in a serious accident. Julie and John sustained injuries, while Jacob and I received only scratches. We were travelling on a national highway and were pulling a loaded trailer. We were in a collision with a very slow-moving semi and one other vehicle. Our vehicle was the most severely affected and was flipped completely around; we are so thankful that all involved were spared from the oncoming traffic, as there was no median. John has several bruises, and has suffered much shock from the trauma. He has finally started talking again this evening (after 24 hrs) and seems to be returning to the John we know and love.

Sunday, February 14, 9 p. m.

It has been so wonderful to hear of all your prayers. Today I took the laptop to the hospital and let Julie read the 100+ emails and Facebook comments, not to mention the texts/SMS’s from our South African church family. It was lovely to see her face light up, and she commented that “this is medicine!” So please feel free to keep those messages coming. For our South African friends you may SMS her phone at 079 050 5151 (please only during visiting hours, so as to let her rest at other times: 10am, 3pm, 6pm).

I spent six hours today with Julie, and her spirits were much improved. There has been no fever whatsoever—which is what they are most concerned for, as any fever would indicate internal infection. She will only be allowed to begin eating/drinking on Tuesday morning (SA time), so she remains on a drip along with the pain meds and antibiotics. Julie has an 8 inch (20cm) incision from the base of the ribs down her abdomen, but has already begun some minor physiotherapy. She is sitting up often.

John has continued to improve today. He is walking almost normally, and is quiet playful and talkative. He is still quite ‘fragile’ emotionally. Today Granny and Grandpa took him to church and he was able to play with his friends. Thank you again. We cannot say what your support has meant to us; it has been so lovely to know so many people are on our side. God be with you. David N. McCrum

Praise the Lord! Don't forget to keep the McCrum family in your prayers.

The Duties of Parents, X. -- by John C. Ryle

2010-02-17T11:27:00.001-05:00

X. Train them to a habit of always speaking the truth.

Truth-speaking is far less common in the world than at first sight we are disposed to think. The whole truth, and nothing but the truth, is a golden rule which many would do well to bear in mind. Lying and prevarication are old sins. The devil was the father of them, he deceived Eve by a bold lie, and ever since the fall it is a sin against which all the children of Eve have need to be on their guard.

Only think how much falsehood and deceit there is in the world! How much exaggeration! How many additions are made to a simple story! How many things left out, if it does not serve the speaker's interest to tell them! How few there are about us of whom we can say, we put unhesitating trust in their word ! Verily the ancient Persians were wise in their generation: it was a leading point with them in educating their children, that they should learn to speak the truth. What an awful proof it is of man's natural sinfulness, that it should be needful to name such a point at all!

Reader, I would have you remark how often God is spoken of in the Old Testament as the God of truth. Truth seems to be especially set before us as a leading feature in the character of Him with whom we have to do. He never swerves from the straight line. He abhors lying and hypocrisy. Try to keep this continually before your children's minds. Press upon them at all times, that less than the truth is a lie; that evasion, excuse-making, and exaggeration are all halfway houses towards what is false, and ought to be avoided. Encourage them in any circumstances to be straightforward, and, whatever it may cost them, to speak the truth.

I press this subject on your attention, not merely for the sake of your children's character in the world, though I might dwell much on this, I urge it rather for your own comfort and assistance in all your dealings with them. You will find it a mighty help indeed, to be able always to trust their word. It will go far to prevent that habit of concealment, which so unhappily prevails sometimes among children. Openness and straightforwardness depend much upon a parent's treatment of this matter in the days of our infancy.

More of "The Duties of Parents" by John C. Ryle:

INTRODUCTION

SECTION VI
SECTION VII

SECTION VIII
SECTION IX

Homeschool Freebie

2010-02-17T10:15:00.009-05:00

Proverbs 22:6 Academy is offering these two copybooks as free downloads. They would be perfect for practicing handwriting skills and/or the memorization of Scriptures. They have been offered in Manuscript, Transitional Manuscript, and Cursive. The scriptures are from the King James Bible and a box has been added at the bottom of each page so the student can illustrate the passage.

Proverbs 22:6 Academy offers other copybooks and Journal tools at very reasonable rates.

Enjoy!

O, Canada

2010-02-16T10:06:00.005-05:00

O Canada!!!

At the moment, I'm enjoying a Tim Hortons coffee! Oh, how I've missed you, Timmie! You were there the first time my husband held my hand and we talked of our up coming wedding. You're "Ice Caps" kept me sane while I was expecting our first daughter. You accompanied my son and I on our first "Mommy and Son" date. Oh, the delectable donuts you offer.... vanilla dip, old fashion glaze, double chocolate, fruit filled, powdered, and occasionally toasted coconut. Your muffins have no equal.

BUT......

Best of all... is a large coffee. Regular, please!

For our American friends:

When ordering a coffee in Canada a regular is NOT a black coffee or a coffee on a high fiber diet!

Regular: one cream, one sugar

Double double: two creams, two sugars

Triple Triple: I think you get it

Or you can order: black, cream no sugar, or sugar no cream!

Funny Jerry and Josie Quotes

2010-02-15T12:05:00.002-05:00

(The kids found a sealed panel on the wall in our hotel room. We figure it has something to do with the water pipes for the bathroom, but they think its a secret tunnel.)

Josie: "Mommy, I've got a new rule."
Mommy: "What new rule?"
Josie: "No one is allow to bang on the secret door."
Mommy: "Why not?"
Josie: "I think that its Heaven behind it."
Mommy: "You do? Well, what will happen if someone bangs on it?"
Josie: "Yes, its Heaven and if someone bangs on it, God might take them to Heaven and they won't be here anymore."

Of course, we had a good conversation about Heaven and that 1. It is NOT behind a secret door and 2. IF God did take one of us to Heaven it would be a good thing and she wouldn't need to be sad about it.

....Now for a Jerry quote which took place this morning after deciding that he had enough of his apple and wanted a cookie.

Daddy: "Why didn't you finish your apple?"
Jerry: "The apple side of my belly is all full, but the cookie side is empty."

What logic!?

Oh... Some potty-training news:

Kaylee actually told me when she needed to go "poo" this morning and went in the toilet!! I know what your thinking, "Eeeewww!" But for a Momma that is something to praise the Lord for!!!! Hallelujah, we're one step closer to NO MORE changing bottoms!!!!!

Update on Julie McCrum

2010-02-15T00:40:00.001-05:00

"Update on Julie McCrum: As of Saturday afternoon, she was sitting up and reading e-mails! Her medical status is no longer considered critical; however, there is still a risk of infection if her lacerated intestine that was repaired should begin to leak. Do NOT stop praying for her! Those prayers brought her through to this point! Praise the Lord!"

A friend of the McCrum family posted some updates on their blog. Click here to read an update from Julie herself, "The Jungle Hut."

Please, remember to keep the whole family in prayer. I can't imagine how hard it is for Julie to be in the hospital away from her boys or how difficult it must be for David to watch his wife suffer. God blesses the prayers of his servants, so...

Our Girls

2010-02-13T22:35:00.011-05:00

These are our girls, Kaylee and Jocelyn. Recently, they have discovered that they are best friends. Although, they both still adore Big Brother!

Josie is our helper. As Big Sissy, she tends to be a little too much of a helper sometimes... "Mom, Jerry just... Kaylee isn't... I will do whatever you say, even if I don't want to, 'cause I love you." Sound familiar? Although a middle child, she is also the big sister... a dangerous combination! She is sweet and a practical joker. Watch out for the quiet ones! Josie loves purple, "Beary", and her Uncle Cory. She inherited Grandma's organizational skills and my little sister's "Blondness" (Sorry, Jo... but we all know its true!) and her Daddy's personality. She is most like Keith -- Daddy's girl!

Kaylee is little, but mighty. As the baby, she feels the whole world was created for her benefit. Although, she is very quickly finding out that life doesn't work that way. No matter how hard she tries, she just can't keep up with her Brother and Sissy. Playing one moment and zzzzzzzzzz the next.

When we 're at Grandpa's house the kids have their own room. When the girls have an emotional tantrum, they can go to their room, until they calm down. Well, there just isn't a private place in a hotel, so when Kaylee didn't get her way at lunch she disappeared to the bathroom. She put down the lid of the toilet and sat there having a good cry. I asked her what was wrong and she said, "Angry." When asked why she was angry, she responded "Want cookie." Apparently, she didn't think that it was fair that she should have to eat lunch first. Well, after the tears dried up and she was more reasonable (isn't that like most women), she went back and finished her lunch.

Happy Valentines! Don't forget to keep the Mc Crum family in prayer. (Read our last post) God bless. Keep on a prayin'!

Prayer Request

2010-02-13T00:19:00.000-05:00

Please pray for missionaries David and Julie McCrum. They are serving in South Africa. They were in a car wreck here is the latest update:

UPDATE ON JULIE MCCRUM – SOUTH AFRICA – Friday, February 12, 2010: Dr. Bragg talked with David late this afternoon. The surgeon came out and said that he was finally able to get the bleeding stopped. Julie is not out of the woods. The next 48 hours are critical. The seat belt cut through her intestines. Even with the bleeding stopped, there remains the danger of leakage from the intestines which would put bacteria in her body and would not produce good results. Continue to pray for Julie, for her doctors, for David and the boys. They are in

South Africa

where they serve with David’s parents.

The Duties of Parents, IX. -- by John C. Ryle

2010-02-12T10:45:00.001-05:00

IX. Train them to a habit of obedience.

This is an object which it is worth any labour to attain. No habit, I suspect, has such an influence over our lives as this. Parents, determine to make your children obey you, though it may cost you much trouble, and cost them many tears. Let there be no questioning, and reasoning, and disputing, and delaying, and answering again. When you give them a command, let them see plainly that you will have it done.

Obedience is the only reality. It is faith visible, faith acting, and faith incarnate. It is the test of real discipleship among the Lord's people. "Ye are My friends if ye do whatsoever I command you" (John xv. 14). It ought to be the mark of well-trained children, that they do whatsoever their parents command them. Where, in deed, is the honour which the fifth commandment enjoins, if fathers and mothers are not obeyed cheerfully, willingly, and at once?

Early obedience has all Scripture on its side. It is in Abraham's praise, not merely he will train his family, but "he will command his children, and his household after him" (Gen. xviii. 19). It is said of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, that when "He was young He was subject to Mary and Joseph" (Luke ii. 51). Observe how implicitly Joseph obeyed the order of his father Jacob (Gen. xxxvii. 13). See how Isaiah speaks of it as an evil thing, when "the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient" (Isa. iii. 5). Mark how the Apostle Paul names disobedience to parents as one of the bad signs of the latter days (2 Tim. iii. 2). Mark how he singles out this grace of requiring obedience as one that should adorn a Christian minister: "a bishop must be one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity." And again, "Let the deacons rule their children and their own houses well " (1 Tim. iii. 4, 12). And again, an elder must be one "having faithful children, children not accused of riot, or unruly" (Tit. 1. 6).

Parents, do you wish to see your children happy? Take care, then, that you train them to obey when they are spoken to, to do as they are bid. Believe me, we are not made for entire independence, we are not fit for it. Even Christ's freemen have a yoke to wear, they "serve the Lord Christ" (Col. iii. 24). Children cannot learn too soon that this is a world in which we are not all intended to rule, and that we are never in our right place until we know how to obey our betters. Teach them to obey while young, or else they will be fretting against God all their lives long, and wear themselves out with the vain idea of being independent of His control.

Reader, this hint is only too much needed. You will see many in this day who allow their children to choose and think for themselves long before they are able, and even make excuses for their disobedience, as if it were a thing not to be blamed. To my eyes, a parent always yielding, and a child always having its own way, are a most painful sight ; painful, because I see God's appointed order of things inverted and turned upside down; painful, because I feel sure the consequence to that child's character in the end will be self-will, pride, and self-conceit. You must not wonder that men refuse to obey their Father which is in heaven, if you allow them, when children, to disobey their father who is upon earth.

Parents, if you love your children, let obedience be a motto and a watchword continually before their eyes.

More of "The Duties of Parents" by John C. Ryle:

INTRODUCTION

SECTION VI
SECTION VII

SECTION VIII

Spring Giveaway from Carrie at Farming on Faith

2010-02-11T19:36:00.001-05:00

Carrie from Farming on Faith is having a "Spring is on its way" giveaway. She is giving away this beautiful pendant to celebrate the coming of spring. Visit her blog for great recipes and posts. Carrie is a Bible-believing Homeschooling Homemaker. You will enjoy her blog! I know I do.

The Living Word

2010-02-09T22:44:00.002-05:00

I just finished reading a post about the Bible at "This Is The Day." I would encourage you to read it. You will be blessed.

Just today, while driving, Keith and I were talking about this very thing in regards to our children. A little over a year ago, the Lord placed some dear friends in our life that helped to strengthen our faith and stand in the King James Bible. It was the only Bible we used, but popular opinion had placed some doubts in our mind as to whether it was THE Word of God or just the best version available in English. At that time we decided to read through the Bible in 90 days. About the time we started into Leviticus, we decided that it would be good for our kids to hear God's Word each night. I know what your thinking, Leviticus? Are you nuts?! Actually, we were shocked at what happened. Jerry stopped having severe nightmares (which he had nightly), the kids slept more peacefully, and Jerry would ask questions about what the sacrifices meant. We realized that it wasn't because of the words (that is, the passages) we were reading, but because the Word was alive. (John 1:1) God's Word will not return void.

Today, Jerry and I were discussing his behaviour. I asked him what God would want him to do. He answered me by quoting Ephesians 6:1. Then I asked him if God was pleased with the way he was treating others and he said, "No, because God said, 'Be ye kind one to another tenderhearted forgiving one another.'" I didn't even know he knew the second verse. I then asked him what he was going to do about it and he decided to be a servant of God, his behaviour did an about face!

I can lecture my kids until I'm blue in the face and most often all I accomplish is that they're bored and I'm frustrated. In time, they will obey, but it is a superficial obedience. What we desire is a change of heart. Keith and I decided that we are going to make a point of addressing behaviours with more Scripture. "Train them up in the way they should go." Didn't Jesus say that HE is the Way? And doesn't John 1:1 teach that Christ is the Word? That's not to say that our kids obey each and every time, but we are striving to instill in them a faith in God's Authority. To obey us, their parents, is to obey God.

Kids are not stupid. If we water down God's Word for them and tell them that their story book is a Bible, if we expose them to a variety of "versions", and if we put God's Word out of their grasp... Should we be surprised when they grow up to view God in the same diluted, confused way? How foolish to think that children can't understand God's Word.

Let me ask you this, "Were your children born understanding English? No. they understood you. They learned your language by hearing you speak it. They learned the definitions and context of words by hearing them spoken and explained. Maybe, just maybe, the reason we have a generation that has trouble reading the King James Bible is because they never heard Mom and Dad speak it enough. Many times, Jerry or Josie will stop us to ask about a word or passage. We do our best to explain it to them and they are learning the English of the King James Bible.

Also, don't forget that God's Word is spiritually discerned. One day, by God's grace each of our children will be convicted of their sinful hearts and repent, choosing to place their faith in God. Meanwhile, we seek to fill them with an awe and respect of Scripture. A wise lady gave me this advice... "The biggest piece of advice I have for parents is...make sure God is real to your kids, that the Bible is real history, not 'Bible stories' That they see God working in your life, every day through the good and the bad, that they see you turn to God in prayer and through his word for every decision." (I hope you don't mind me quoting you, Deb.)

How does the Holy Spirit speak to us most often? Is it not by the Word of God? Well, why not give our children as much of the Word as we can. This way, when they are convicted of their sinful hearts and turn to God for salvation, the Holy Spirit will need only to add spiritual understanding to their knowledge. One day we will not be there to guide our children, but the Word of God will be with them forever.

God's Word is alive and has been preserved in its inerrant entirety in the King James Bible. God IS the Word and the Word IS God. If God says that we need to have the faith of a child, then why do we think He would give us a Bible that a child could not understand. If you have never tried reading straight from the Bible to your children, try it. If we miss a night because we're too tired to read, our 4-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter beg us for it. I have tried reading other stories, but they almost always want the Bible after the story is read.

Today, two Scripture verses that Jerry had somehow memorized did more to correct his behaviour than anything I could say. "The proof is in the pudding." Today we are encouraged to give our babies' momma's milk, to give them organic food, to give them fresh air free from toxins, to give them natural fibers, to give them the purest and best of everything. Although, we can't always do this, I think most parents would like to. But how is it that we miss this when it comes to the Bread of Life? Why not give them the pure Word of God, free from toxic errors?

I would love to hear some examples of what God's Word has done for your child or a child you know. God bless. Keep on a prayin'!

The Value of Nothing

2010-02-08T21:06:00.000-05:00

I'm going to invite you to listen in on a little conversation that took place between us and our son who will be five in a few weeks. This took place today in the van. It went something like this:

Jerry: "Is Zero a number?"
Mommy: "Yes, zero is a number."
Jerry: "If zero's a number, how much is it?"
Mommy: "Zero doesn't have a value, that means it's nothing. But if you put it after a number it changes that number, like if you put a zero with a one it becomes ten."
Jerry: "Oh... What does ten and zero make?"
Mommy: "One hundred."
Jerry: "And what does one hundred with another zero make?"
Mommy: " One thousand."
Jerry: "ONE THOUSAND... wow, that is a lot of money."
Mommy: "It sure is."
Jerry: "I wish we had a thousand dollars!"
Daddy: "Yeah, so do I."
Jerry: "Yeah, we could buy everything in the whole wheeled (world)!"
Daddy: "Well, we could pay some bills. Maybe we could even go to a nice restaurant."
Jerry: "Yeah, we could go to McDonald's."

This shows you the difference between preschoolers and their parents.We see zero as having no value. He sees it as a mighty magic number that makes things bigger. He sees a thousand dollars as enough money to buy everything in the world. We see enough money to pay some bills. We think a nice restaurant is a place where you're seated and someone else serves you and it doesn't involve a hamburger. He thinks McDonald's is a nice restaurant because you don't have to wait long for your food and you can climb around in Playland.

Oh, to think like a child again! Enjoy what God has given you. God bless. Keep on a prayin'!

New Look

2010-02-07T01:25:00.004-05:00

I've given "It's A Loveless World" a face-lift. Let us know what you think. While changing the template, I lost some of the widgets. I'll work on getting everything backup as I can. If you have any suggestions, please let us know. Have a great day in the Lord's house today. God bless. Keep on a prayin'!

Service Guarantee

2010-02-06T18:03:00.009-05:00

It's happened again! I've got a thought stuck in my head and it keeps going 'round and 'round and 'round. Maybe it'll help if I share it.

Here it is...

Today, Keith read a billboard that said, "What would you accomplish for me if you knew you would succeed?" Well, that got me to thinking. "What would I accomplish for God if I knew I would succeed?" How many times have I been afraid to try something for God, because I was afraid of failure? I can tell you: it's more than I care to think about.

What would you accomplish for God if you knew you would succeed? Would you learn a new skill like the piano, or maybe sign language? Would you teach that Sunday School class? Would you give up a habit? Would you go into full-time service? Leave your home for the mission field? Give to faith-promise?

What kind of a guarantee are we waiting for?

How about... "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:" II Cor. 9:8

Or... "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Galatians 6:9

Maybe this one... "But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

Try this one... "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

Don't forget... "For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken." Proverbs 3:26

Here's the best guarantee of all... "Faithful is He that calleth you, WHO ALSO WILL DO IT." I Thessalonians 5: 24

Just a thought!!!
God bless. Keep on a prayin'!

New Culottes

2010-02-06T09:15:00.006-05:00

Here's pics of some culottes I sewed for the girls yesterday. They turned out a little big, but they grow into them. Josie was mad at me because I refused to take a picture of her pulling her culottes up to her neck so she could show off her socks. She got over it by the last photo though. I told her to say, "I love Uncle Cory." She couldn't help but smile. I got the pattern instructions from Earnestly Contending.

For the girls I left out the pleats and added extra width instead. They are made from a light-weight knit fleece.

Well, we're off to Attica, Kansas. After that we head up to Kenora, Ontario. We would appreciate prayers for good weather, safe driving, and good health. God bless. Keep on a prayin'!

The Duties of Parents, VIII. -- by John C. Ryle

2010-02-05T09:18:00.004-05:00

VIII. Train them to a habit of faith.

I mean by this, you should train them up to believe what you say. You should try to make them feel confidence in your judgment, and respect your opinions, as better than their own. You should accustom them to think that, when you say a thing is bad for them, it must be bad, and when you say it is good for them, it must be good; that your knowledge, in short, is better than their own, and that they may rely implicitly on your word. Teach them to feel that what they know not now, they will probably know hereafter, and to be satisfied there is a reason and a needs-be for everything you require them to do.

Who indeed can describe the blessedness of a real spirit of faith? Or rather, who can tell the misery that unbelief has brought upon the world? Unbelief made Eve eat the forbidden fruit, she doubted the truth of God's word: "Ye shall surely die." Unbelief made the old world reject Noah's warning, and so perish in sin. Unbelief kept Israel in the wilderness, it was the bar that kept them from entering the promised land. Unbelief made the Jews crucify the Lord of glory, they believed not the voice of Moses and the prophets, though read to them every day. And unbelief is the reigning sin of man's heart down to this very hour, unbelief in God's promises, unbelief in God's threatenings, unbelief in our own sinfulness, unbelief in our own danger, unbelief in everything that runs counter to the pride and worldliness of our evil hearts. Reader, you train your children to little purpose if you do not train them to a habit of implicit faith, faith in their parents' word, confidence that what their parents say must be right.

I have heard it said by some, that you should require nothing of children which they cannot understand that you should explain and give a reason for everything you desire them to do. I warn you solemnly against such a notion. I tell you plainly, I think it an unsound and rotten principle. No doubt it is absurd to make a mystery of everything you do, and there are many things which it is well to explain to children, in order that they may see that they are reasonable and wise. But to bring them up with the idea that they must take nothing on trust, that they, with their weak and imperfect understandings, must have the " why " and the "wherefore" made clear to them at every step they take, this is indeed a fearful mistake, and likely to have the worst effect on their minds.

Reason with your child if you are so disposed, at certain times, but never forget to keep him in mind (if you really love him) that he is but a child after all, that he thinks as a child, he understands as a child, and therefore must not expect to know the reason of everything at once.

Set before him the example of Isaac, in the day when Abraham took him to offer him on Mount Moriah (Gen. xxii.). He asked his father that single question, "Where is the lamb for a burnt-offering?" and he got no answer but this, "God will provide Himself a lamb." How, or where, or whence, or in what manner, or by what means, all this Isaac was not told; but the answer was enough. He believed that it would be well, because his father said so, and he was content.

Tell your children, too, that we must all be learners in our beginnings, that there is an alphabet to be mastered in every kind of knowledge, that the best horse in the world had need once to be broken, that a day will come when they will see the wisdom of all your training. But in the meantime if you say a thing is right, it must be enough for them, they must believe you, and be content.

Parents, if any point in training is important, it is this. I charge you by the affection you have to your children, use every means to train them up to a habit of faith.

More of "The Duties of Parents" by John C. Ryle:

INTRODUCTION

SECTION VI

SECTION VII

God bless. Keep on a prayin'!

Skirt pattern giveaway

2010-02-05T08:07:00.005-05:00

"Feminine Farmgirl" is offering a giveaway for this beautiful skirt pattern. To enter, click on the image and leave a comment for the post on "Feminine Farmgirl." The giveaway will end on Monday, February 8. Enjoy!

My Morning.....

2010-02-04T14:22:00.002-05:00

AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

That feels better! The other day I read about "Mama Fits." Well, this morning I'm having one!

First, Jerry woke us up out a deep and wonderful sleep just before 5 a.m.

Next, while trying to salvage the last few moments of precious rest, we have to drag ourselves out of bed to deal with kids who decided not to wait until breakfast to eat and had dumped a whole bag of shredded cheese on the bed.

Thankfully, Daddy graciously cleaned up and took care of the discipline, while sending me to "cool down" while I get showered and dressed.

After the shower I'm met at the door by a barrage of: "Momma can we have a drink." "Momma, I need you to get me some clothes." "Momma, I'm hungry."

So, I give the kids a lecture about patience, tell them to sit on the couch and then I go to get breakfast ready. Pancakes... the kids love 'em. Who doesn't?

Of course, Josie decided to help with breakfast. Note: I do not function well in the morning especially when woke up by a monster (oops, I mean, child). And it probably would have been wise not to allow a three-year-old to help me make pancakes.

After several more interruptions... the pancakes are done.

Now what! No syrup. Putting the pancakes in the oven to warm, I mixed up a batch of cheater pancake syrup.

Finally, a nice warm, buttery stack of pancakes....

Just as I was ready to sit down a nervous looking hubby looks over and says, "Honey, Something tastes different, try this."

I tried a bite of his pancake and promptly spewed it out... Baking Soda!

Then I looked over at Jerry who was looking like he was wanted to hurl, yet, knowing better than to spit out his food. (especially after the trouble he'd already caused) I gave him permission and he ran through the house yelling for a drink! Justice is served!

Finally, I make a new stack of even fluffier pancakes... And its now 10:30.

We have to leave in two days and as usual, I'm up to my elbows in laundry and suitcases. God bless my husband for his patience and willingness to help his unorganized wife. While all of this was going on Keith cleaned two bedrooms did two loads of laundry and typed out two sermons.

After breakfast,we had devotions, Proverbs 14:29, "He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly." "Lord, help me be of great understanding..."

If you've been reading "The Duties of Parents" by John C. Ryle, I posted it first. So, just scroll down to the next post or click here. I've much preferred the writings of godly men from times past to the modern, watered down stuff you find today.

God bless. Keep on a prayin'!

The Duties of Parents, VII. -- by John C. Ryle

2010-02-04T12:21:00.005-05:00

II. Train them to habits of diligence, and regularity about public means of grace.

Tell them of the duty and privilege of going to the house of God, and joining in the prayers of the congregation. Tell them that wherever the Lord's people are gathered together, there the Lord Jesus is present in an especial manner, and that those who absent themselves must expect, like the Apostle Thomas, to miss a blessing. Tell them of the importance of hearing the Word preached, and that it is God's ordinance for converting, sanctifying, and building up the souls of men. Tell them how the Apostle Paul enjoins us not "to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is" (Heb. x. 25); but to exhort one another, to stir one another up to it, and so much the more as we see the day approaching.

I call it a sad sight in a church when nobody comes up to the Lord's table but the elderly people, and the young men and the young women all turn away. But I call it a sadder sight still when no children are to be seen in a church, excepting those who come to the Sunday School, and are obliged to attend. Let none of this guilt lie at your doors. There are many boys and girls in every parish, besides those who come to school, and you who are their parents and friends should see to it that they come with you to church.

Do not allow them to grow up with a habit of making vain excuses for not coming. Give them plainly to understand, that so long as they are under your roof it is the rule of your house for every one in health to honour the Lord's house upon the Lord's day, and that you reckon the Sabbath-breaker to be a murderer of his own soul.

See to it too, if it can be so arranged, that your children go with you to church, and sit near you when they are there. To go to church is one thing, but to behave well at church is quite another. And believe me, there is no security for good behaviour like that of having them under your own eye.

The minds of young people are easily drawn aside, and their attention lost, and every possible means should be used to counteract this. I do not like to see them coming to church by themselves, they often get into bad company by the way, and so learn more evil on the Lord's day than in all the rest of the week. Neither do I like to see what I call "a young people's corner" in a church. They often catch habits of inattention and irreverence there, which it takes years to unlearn, if ever they are unlearned at all. What I like to see is a whole family sitting together, old and young, side by side, men, women, and children, serving God according to their households.

But there are some who say that it is useless to urge children to attend means of grace, because they cannot understand them.

I would not have you listen to such reasoning. I find no such doctrine in the Old Testament. When Moses goes before Pharaoh (Ex. x. 9), I observe he says, "We will go with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters: for we must hold a feast unto the Lord." When Joshua read the law (Josh. vmmm. 35), I observe, "There was not a word which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them." "Thrice in the year," says Ex. xxxiv. 23, "shall all your men children appear before the Lord God, the God of Israel." And when I turn to the New Testament, I find children mentioned there as partaking in public acts of religion as well as in the Old. When Paul was leaving the disciples at Tyre for the last time, I find it said (Acts xxi. 5)," They all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed."

Samuel, in the days of his childhood, appears to have ministered unto the Lord some time before he really knew Him. "Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet revealed unto him" (1 Sam. iii. 7). The Apostles themselves do not seem to have understood all that our Lord said at the time that it was spoken: "These things understood not His disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of Him" (John xii 1 6).

Parents, comfort your minds with these examples. Be not cast down because your children see not the full value of the means of grace now. Only train them up to a habit of regular attendance. Set it before their minds as a high, holy, and solemn duty, and believe me, the day will very likely come when they will bless you for your deed.

More of "The Duties of Parents" by John C. Ryle:

INTRODUCTION

God bless. Keep on a prayin'!

The Blessing of Single Servants

2010-02-03T00:11:00.004-05:00

I would like to take a break from "The Duties of Parents" today. If you have been following these articles, I will post the next chapter tomorrow.

The Blessing of Single Servants

Now, I know what all you single guys and gals are thinking... What does a couple of married people know about being single? Well, I would like to tell you our story. I turned 27 on April 28, 2003. A few weeks later in May, I arrived at the airport to meet up with the rest of the mission team I was joining. We were taking a month long trip to Quebec and Manitoba, Canada. There in the midst of the girls was a guy. Something about him struck me right away, maybe it was because he was the only guy in the group. My initial thoughts were "I wonder if this is why God wanted me on this trip?" Not too spiritual I know.

Let's back up a little. I was born into a Christian home. My dad entered the pastorate when I was seven. By the grace of God I was gloriously saved at a very young age, 5-yrs-old. You've heard it said that hind sight is 20/20. Well, looking back I can see that God was preparing me for a life in the ministry from the beginning. I knew it was in my heart as a teenager, but I put those thoughts on the back-burner and replaced them with my life's plan. My plan was to meet a handsome dark-haired man at the "mature" age of 18, then we would date until I was 20. After a year engagement, we would be married and after a few years of honeymoon we would start a family, maybe four or five kids. I figured he would probably be going into the ministry and that would solve my need to surrender myself. Well, 18 went by, then 19..., 21..., 24..., One day I woke up and found out I was almost 26 and life hadn't gone as planned. What happened next was a foolhardy thing to do and not something I am proud of.

Late one Saturday, in January 2003, I found myself at my whits end. I was empty inside, except for a nagging feeling that a relationship with God was what I was missing. You see, God never left me, but I had pushed Him out and replaced Him with shattered dreams and a broken heart. That night, I didn't sleep much. Finally, as morning dawned, I slipped out of bed and got on my knees. Mine was not a heart ready for prayer. With tears pouring down, I brazenly told God that He had my soul, but if He wanted the rest of me, HE would have to do something that day in church. If He didn't, then I would stop fighting and go on with my career, being just like most every other christian I knew, service on the outside, cold on the inside. NO feeling would be better than the conviction that was tearing me apart. When you get to that state of spirit, you are completely unaware that you are dangling over a precipice spiritually and God in His mercy is the only thing keeping you from falling. Oh, I could never lose my salvation, but as I have witnessed, a child of God who rebels to this level of a stiff-necked heart is most often taken home.

Let me say here that God is a merciful and gracious God. He wasn't willing to let me go. That morning in church a missionary arrived. Somehow there was a mix up in the schedule, and Dad wasn't expecting him until the next Sunday, but Dad had him preach anyway. Before he preached, I was scheduled to sing. And wouldn't you know it, the hymn I had chosen before this happened was, "I Wonder Have I Done My Best For Jesus." I could barely finish. After I left to hide in the restroom, my Mom met me. I told her that God wanted me, but I was so afraid that He was going to call me into missions alone. After I cried for a moment, I composed myself and went back to service.

That morning the missionary started his sermon by asking, "Do you really want to be like Christ?" Of course I'm sure most of the congregation would agree that we did. He went on to give example after example of what it meant to be like Christ. Christ was willing to leave His home, Christ was willing to be ridiculed and persecuted, Christ was willing to die so that men could be free. It was also during this sermon that he mentioned how we are so often willing to pray for God to send laborers into the field, but how many of us were willing to be the answer to that prayer?

Be careful what you ask God to do. When God does something, He does it well! When the invitation was given, I had already been broken. Yet, I still didn't understand. That is, until God showed me that the reason I couldn't give him my dreams was because I was saving my heart for someone that may not exist. That morning, I surrendered my broken dreams, my fears of serving alone, and finally, I gave God all my heart. It was then that God could show me that He was truly All I needed and that He wanted me to prepare for the mission field.

Now, I could truly understand the meaning of Psalm 37:4. We so often read it like this, "Delight thyself also in the Lord and He shall "GRANT" thee the desires of thine heart." But, you see, It doesn't say "grant" it says "give." If I delight in the Lord, if He is the most important thing in my life, then He will place within me His desires and only then will He grant those desires. That day I fell in love with God.

Through a series of events, I found myself in that airport in May of 2003 wondering if the chubby guy (sorry, Honey) in the back was the reason I was there. After a month of serving together, we both knew that something was happening. Later, Keith told me that when he gave his church, (a very large church compared to what I was used to), a presentation of our trip, he showed my picture in his slide presentation. When it came up, he told Second Baptist Church of Festus, MO,"...and this is the girl I'm going to marry!" Faith or audacity?

To make a long story short... we spent the next few months courting on the telephone and by mail since I was in Ontario and Keith was in Missouri. We saw each other in June for a week, August for three days, then in October he came up for Canadian Thanksgiving. That is when Keith proposed to me. We got to spend Christmas together and that was it, until the day before our wedding. We were married April 2, 2004. Eleven months later we had our son, Jerry, then Jocelyn, then Kaylee, then deputation, and then ... well, that's up to God now.

So, back to the beginning of this post. I was almost 28 when we got married and Keith was 35. We know very well what it is to be single and we pray that we will never forget. I know that many of you are single right now. Take it from two people who regret the wasted years, give your heart to God. Here are some things I wished I did:

1. Trusted my Heavenly Father to do what is best for me.
2. Stretched my wings and found fellowship with other singles of like faith and practice.
3. Served God while I had complete freedom to do so. -- Paul knew what he was talking about when he told single servants to be content. A single man can serve God and go anywhere without the burden of a family. A single gal can give her heart to God without thought of a husband or children. I do not regret being a wife and mother, just that I didn't give more of myself when I had more to give.
4. Finally, to spend my time becoming the person that a godly man would want to marry. I had dreams of a wonderful, surrendered servant of God, you know, the kind you find in books. But was I the kind of girl he would even consider? Are you the kind of person that the kind of person you would marry would want to marry? (Did that make sense?)

Don't let broken dreams and loneliness push God out of your heart. I didn't say life, because you can serve God without being controlled by Him. If God fills your heart, then there will be no room for loneliness. Find a place that needs you and give God all you've got. Do you realize how many small churches need a pianist, a music leader, someone to start a bus route, or someone to teach? Could you go? It takes a lot less to support one than five. If God blesses you with a spouse one day, then you will be far more prepared than I was. If you are already living a life of true contentment, then be faithful and don't let Satan wear you down.

For those of you who have never experience true singleness because you were blessed to be married young: Be careful how you treat these most valuable servants. Far too often, I felt like others didn't value me as a "real" adult. I felt incomplete. I know I'm not the only one, Keith also had these same thoughts. Single servants are taken for granted far too often. "They don't have a family, so let them do it." Or worse, they're ignored because everyone is busy with their own families.

Where would the Bible be without single men? Jesus was single. The only Apostle we know that had a wife for sure was Peter. Remember that Paul was single, would you give him the same honor if he was part of your church? Or would you think, "Who is he to give advice? He doesn't even have a family." Seriously, how many single adults are in your church? How many would be there if someone believed them to be a valuable part of the family?

If you are a woman, find time to invite a single lady over when your husband isn't around and just have some girl time. Ladies, encourage your husband to take the single guy out for coffee. Include these single servants with your family activities occasionally. Our kid's favorite Uncle is their adopted Uncle, Cory, Keith's single friend. Josie is convinced that she is going to marry him when she grows up.

Single servant hood can be a wonderful thing. Don't waste it. God bless. Keep on a prayin'!

The Duties of Parents, VI. -- by John C. Ryle

2010-02-02T19:15:00.003-05:00

VI. Train them to a habit of prayer.

Prayer is the very life-breath of true religion. It is one of the first evidences that a man is born again. "Behold," said the Lord of Saul, in the day he sent Ananias to him, "Behold, he prayeth" (Acts ix. 11). He had begun to pray, and that was proof enough.

Prayer was the distinguishing mark of the Lord's people in the day that there began to be a separation between them and the world. "Then began men to call upon the name of the Lord" (Gen. iv. 26).

Prayer is the peculiarity of all real Christians now. They pray, for they tell God their wants, their feelings, their desires, their fears; and mean what they say. The nominal Christian may repeat prayers, and good prayers too, but he goes no further.

Prayer is the turning-point in a man's soul. Our ministry is unprofitable, and our labour is vain, till you are brought to your knees. Till then, we have no hope about you.

Prayer is one great secret of spiritual prosperity. When there is much private communion with God, your soul will grow like the grass after rain; when there is little, all will be at a standstill, you will barely keep your soul alive. Show me a growing Christian, a going forward Christian, a strong Christian, a flourishing Christian, and sure am I, he is one that speaks often with his Lord. He asks much, and he has much. He tells Jesus everything, and so he always knows how to act.

Prayer is the mightiest engine God has placed in our hands. It is the best weapon to use in every difficulty, and the surest remedy in every trouble. It is the key that unlocks the treasury of promises, and the hand that draws forth grace and help in time of need. It is the silver trumpet God commands us to sound in all our necessity, and it is the cry He has promised always to attend to, even as a loving mother to the voice of her child.

Prayer is the simplest means that man can use in coming to God. It is within reach of all, the sick, the aged, the infirm, the paralytic, the blind, the poor, the unlearned, all can pray. It avails you nothing to plead want of memory, and want of learning, and want of books, and want of scholarship in this matter. So long as you have a tongue to tell your soul's state, you may and ought to pray. Those words, "Ye have not, because ye ask not" (Jas. iv. 2), will be a fearful condemnation to many in the day of judgment.

Parents, if you love your children, do all that lies in your power to train them up to a habit of prayer. Show them how to begin. Tell them what to say. Encourage them to persevere. Remind them if they become careless and slack about it. Let it not be your fault, at any rate, if they never call on the name of the Lord.

This, remember, is the first step in religion which a child is able to take. Long before he can read, you can teach him to kneel by his mother's side, and repeat the simple words of prayer and praise which she puts in his mouth. And as the first steps in any undertaking are always the most important, so is the manner in which your children's prayers are prayed, a point which deserves your closest attention. Few seem to know how much depends on this. You must beware lest they get into a way of saying them in a hasty, careless, and irreverent manner. You must beware of giving up the oversight of this matter to servants and nurses, or of trusting too much to your children doing it when left to themselves. I cannot praise that mother who never looks after this most important part of her child's daily life herself. Surely if there be any habit which your own hand and eye should help in forming, it is the habit of prayer. Believe me, if you never hear your children pray yourself, you are much to blame. You are little wiser than the bird described in Job, "which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in the dust, and forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them. She is hardened against her young ones, as though they were not hers: her labour is in vain without fear" (Job xxxix. 14-1 6).

Prayer is, of all habits, the one which we recollect the longest. Many a grey-headed man could tell you how his mother used to make him pray in the days of his childhood. Other things have passed away from his mind perhaps. The church where he was taken to worship, the minister whom he heard preach, the companions who used to play with him, all these, it may be, have passed from his memory, and left no mark behind. But you will often find it is far different with his first prayers. He will often be able to tell you where he knelt, and what he was taught to say, and even how his mother looked all the while. It will come up as fresh before his mind's eye as if it was but yesterday.

Reader, if you love your children, I charge you, do not let the seed-time of a prayerful habit pass away unimproved. If you train your children to anything, train them, at least, to a habit of prayer.

Note: For those of you who are new to our blog. We have been posting portions of "The Duties of Parents" by John Charles Ryle. Below are links to the previous posts so that you can read them all.

God Bless. Keep on a prayin'!

Sharing my Heart -- For Ladies Only

2010-02-01T09:16:00.012-05:00

Hello, Ladies. I just wanted to take the time to share something with you. Yesterday as I was reading Exodus 32 I saw something I had never seen before. (By the way this is Keith's favourite story -- He loves the part when Aaron says, "But, Moses, all I did was put the gold in the fire. This calf just jumped out. Honestly!" Paraphrased of course) Anyhow, I noticed something about this story. Who was held responsible for the state of the people? Yep, the men. This got me to thinking about the responsibility of our men.

My Man!

When is the last time you really thought about the burden of responsibility your father, husband, son, or pastor carries? The Lord convicted me of this last night. How many times do we wish we could change them? How often do we take them for granted and wish our husbands would give us more attention? After all, we are the "weaker vessels" aren't we? (1 Peter 3:7) No. Actually if you look more closely at that verse it says, "as unto the weaker vessel." God made us to be his help meet. Woman was created to complete man NOT the other way around.

I'll have only been married six years come April 2, so most of you could say this much better than I can. But when I stopped to really think about what my husband has to carry I was filled with gratitude and awe for him. He will answer to God for how our family is led. He is our protector, our provider, our spiritual leader, a role model to our son and an example of what kind of man our daughters will want some day. He has to seek the Holy Spirit's leading and follow it. All I have to do is follow him.

Yes, we do have the responsibility to submit, but isn't it easier knowing that we don't have to answer for the results? We have to train our children, but we do this under the guidance of our husbands. We have decisions to make, but we have someone to go to for counsel.

Maybe, you don't have a godly husband. Your husband has an even greater load to bear, because he is attempting to do it alone. The Bible does have something to say to you 1 Peter 3:1-6. If your father is alive and a born-again believer you could go to him. If you attend a Bible believing church you can seek the wisdom of your pastor through your pastor's wife.

(Note: As the daughter of a pastor and the wife of a missionary, it is my opinion that a woman should never go directly to her pastor alone. It puts him in an awkward position. If he has a wife you could meet with them both, if not, then find a godly woman in your church and ask if she can go with you. Also, God will place Titus 2 women in our path if we ask Him.)

Back to what I was saying. I would like to encourage each of you to thank God for your father, your husband, your son, and your pastor (who holds a double burden of responsibility.) Pray for them daily. I'm still fairly new at being a wife, but I have (or should I say am learning) this one thing: The Holy Spirit can do a better job than I can. I found this list of things to pray for in Colossians 1. I pray that:

1. He will have a clear knowledge of God's will vs.9
2. He will walk worthy of the Lord vs. 10
3. He will be fruitful in all good works vs. 10
4. He will increase in the knowledge of God vs. 10
5. He will be strengthened in the might of the Lord vs. 11
6. He will be patient and long-suffering vs. 11
7. He will have joy vs. 11
8. He will have a thankful heart vs. 12

This passage can be applied to any saint, but I would challenge you to join me in praying for the men in your life (Father, Husband, Son, Pastor...) each day. We as women are famous for trying to change our men. I've found that as I pray for my husband in these areas, most often it is me that needs changing, not him. Love him. Pray for him. Submit to him. Encourage him. Find a way to tell him.

The best advice I ever received was before I even met my husband. I was told that when you find yourself grumbling about all the things your husband does wrong, stop and think of ten things you love about him, then thank God for him. I hope this has been an encouragement to someone. God bless. -- Julie

The Duties of Parents, V. -- by John C. Ryle

2010-02-01T08:12:00.007-05:00

V. Train your child to a knowledge of the Bible.

You cannot make your children love the Bible, I allow. None but the Holy Ghost can give us a heart to delight in the Word. But you can make your children acquainted with the Bible; and be sure they cannot be acquainted with that blessed book too soon, or too well.

A thorough knowledge of the Bible is the foundation of all clear views of religion. He that is well-grounded in it will not generally be found a waverer, and carried about by every wind of new doctrine. Any system of training which does not make a knowledge of Scripture the first thing is unsafe and unsound.

You have need to be careful on this point just now, for the devil is abroad, and error abounds. Some are to be found amongst us who give the Church the honour due to Jesus Christ. Some are to be found who make the sacraments saviours and passports to eternal life. And some are to be found in like manner who honour a catechism more than the Bible, or fill the minds of their children with miserable little story-books, instead of the Scripture of truth. But if you love your children, let the simple Bible be everything in the training of their souls; and let all other books go down and take the second place.

Care not so much for their being mighty in the catechism, as for their being mighty in the Scriptures. This is the training, believe me, that God will honour. The Psalmist says of Him, " Thou hast magnified Thy Word above all Thy name" (Ps. cxxxviii. 2); and I think that He gives an especial blessing to all who try to magnify it among men.

See that your children read the Bible reverently. Train them to look on it, not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God, written by the Holy Ghost Himself, all true, all profitable, and able to make us wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

See that they read it regularly. Train them to regard it as their soul's daily food, as a thing essential to their soul's daily health. I know well you can not make this anything more than a form; but there is no telling the amount of sin which a mere form may indirectly restrain.

See that they read it all. You need not shrink from bringing any doctrine before them. You need not fancy that the leading doctrines of Christianity are things which children cannot understand. Children understand far more of the Bible than we are apt to suppose.

Tell them of sin, its guilt, its consequences, its power, its vileness: you will find they can comprehend something of this.

Tell them of the Lord Jesus Christ, and His work for our salvation, the atonement, the cross, the blood, the sacrifice, the intercession: you will discover there is something not beyond them in all this.

Tell them of the work of the Holy Spirit in man's heart, how He changes, and renews, and sanctifies, and purifies: you will soon see they can go along with you in some measure in this. In short, I suspect we have no idea how much a little child can take in of the length and breadth of the glorious gospel. They see far more of these things than we suppose.

As to the age when the religious instruction of a child should begin, no general rule can be laid down. The mind seems to open in some children much more quickly than in others. We seldom begin too early. There are wonderful examples on record of what a child can attain to, even at three years old.

Fill their minds with Scripture. Let the Word dwell in them richly. Give them the Bible, the whole Bible, even while they are young.

Note: We love Scripture songs. Bible Truth Music offers "Bible Songs For Kids" Vol. 1-3. They are of course KJV. And the music is actually fun and easy to listen to. Each CD has 25 Scripture songs on various topics. They can be downloaded for about $10. Our kids love them. We use Scripture songs to help the whole family memorize God's Word. Jocelyn, our three-year-old has only been able to memorize part of Heb. 11:6 by rote after two weeks, but when we put it to song she learned the whole thing. She still has trouble saying it, but she can sing it! Our two-year-old, Kaylee, even joins in when we sing. Our almost five-year-old, Jerry, has memorized it and can recite it without even pausing. I'm amazed how many Scripture songs the kids learn. They will stay with them forever. Just a thought.

God bless. Keep on a prayin'!

Local Church Bible Publishers

2010-01-31T15:38:00.007-05:00

Last year, we realized that although my Bible said KJV it had some words in it that were "modernized." Most of the changes were unnecessary at best and some were just plain disrespectful! (Try reading a passage aloud to your children where the word "emrod" is replaced by the modern word "hemorrhoids" without giggling.) Keith's Bible which he paid a LOT of money for was falling apart after just a few years. We needed new Bibles badly, but couldn't find quality ones at a price we could afford. I took to using Keith's Bible and we prayed for a way to get new ones.

One day last summer, while "Google-ing" I found "Local Church Bible Publishers". They are a local church publishing ministry. They print quality authorized King James Bibles at very affordable prices. Their "designer" and "executive" series are beautiful. God provided the money we needed. So, Keith and I purchased Bibles from their designer series. They're sewn not glued and the covers are quality, genuine leather inside and out. Keith's is a wide-margin, perfect for a Preacher's study notes. (The above picture looks like his) The only regret I have is that they now have a beautiful pink Bible with a black spine. It wasn't available when we ordered ours. Oh well, so much for vanity!

If you are thinking about purchasing a new Bible I would strongly suggest looking at this site first. I have not found anything on the web to equal what they offer. They charge only the cost of publishing. Of course, if you are able, you can add a donation to help with the ministry. They are grateful for anything small or great. This is a valuable ministry. You will be sure to get true, Authorized King James Bibles. Not altered KJV's like the one I had. Just because it says, KJV doesn't mean it is.

We have also added a link to this site on the side bar. You will get a quality Bible without padding the pockets of an unbeliever. Really, I can't say too much about how happy we are with our Bibles. God bless. Keep on a prayin'!