Happy Leap-day!

 Websters 1828 Dictionary defines a Leap-Year as:

 LE'AP-YEAR, n. a year containing 366 days; every fourth year, which leaps over a day more than a common year. Thus in common years, if the first day of March is on Monday, the present year, it will, the next year, fall on Tuesday, but in leap-year it will leap to Wednesday; for leap-year contains a day more than a common year, a day being added to the month of February.

Correct me if I'm wrong here but if I remember right the 29th day is added to February every four years to make up for the quarter-day difference between an ordinary year and the astronomical year.

There are many different traditions associated with leap year but one that I found most mirth provoking was that  Leap Year has traditionally been the one time when a  women could propose marriage.

 Tradition says that as far back as the 5^th century in the Emerald Isle of Ireland, St. Bridget complained to good St. Patrick of the inequality of women having to wait to be asked for their hands in marriage. And, according to legend, St. Patrick said that henceforth on the February 29 of each Leap Year, a lady could do the asking!

 According to English law, February 29th was ignored and had no legal status. Folks assumed that traditions would also have no status on that day. It was also reasoned that since the leap year day existed to fix a problem in the calendar, it could also be used to fix an old and so called "unjust" custom that only let men propose marriage.

 The first documentation of this practice dates back to 1288, when Scotland supposedly passed a law that allowed women to propose marriage to the man of their choice in that year. Tradition states they also made it law that any man who declined a proposal in a leap year must pay a fine. The fine could range from a kiss to payment for a silk dress or a pair of gloves.

Not that funny you say? Well it made me smile! :)

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So anyway, back to the Leap-year. In some ways, the discrepancy doesn’t seem like such a big deal: 365 days is shorter than the solar year by only about 6 hours. If no correction were made, though, our calendar would slowly drift away from the seasons, and we’d find ourselves celebrating Christmas in the summer! A seemingly little thing—if uncorrected—can have big consequences.

 As believers, we frequently forget the depth of our separation from God because of our sin. All too often we ignore that sin is still sin, no matter how small or big we think it is.

Every day, we need to recognize that only the Savior Jesus Christ can bridge that gap—and He has. We need a Savior because we are all sinners and deserve to be punished. Every day, we need to repent of our sins that are laid bare, and even our secret sins of worry, unrighteous anger, gossip, and impure thoughts. 

  Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:14-16 

Today on this Leap-year I am so thankful for our advocate  with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 

Have a happy and blessed Leap-day! 

 The pictures in my post are from a collection of 'leap year' postcards by Donald McGill.

One Thousand Gifts Giveaway

Hi everyone! The sweet Ladies over at AllTogetherSeparate are giving away a copy of  One Thousand Gifts!

I

I haven't read this book but I've heard some wonderful things about it and I would encourage y'all to head over and enter. The giveaway ends March 3rd so don't wait to long! : )

"I want to see beauty. In the ugly, in the sink, in the suffering, in the daily, in all the days before I die, the moments before I sleep.”

Musical Monday - Where I Belong

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

Matthew 6:19-21

Verse 1:

Sometimes it feels like I'm watching from the outside
Sometimes it feels like I'm breathing but am I alive
I will keep searching for answers that aren't here to find

Chorus:

All I know is I'm not home yet
This is not where I belong
Take this world and give me Jesus
This is not where I belong

Verse 2:

So when the walls come falling down on me
And when I'm lost in the current of a raging sea
I have this blessed assurance holding me

Bridge:

When the earth shakes I wanna be found in You
When the lights fade I wanna be found in You

Building 429 - Album: Listen to the Sound

Marx and Feminism?

Perhaps the greatest legacy of the 20th century has been the war on motherhood and biblical patriarchy. Radical feminists, Marxists, and liberal theologians have made it their aim to target the institution of the family and divest it from its biblical structure and priorities. The results are androgyny, a radical decline in birthrate, abortion, fatherless families, and social confusion. The next time you hear professing Christians rail against those who defend the historical and biblical doctrine of motherhood, fatherhood, and the family, consider the similarity of verbiage and sentiments they share with the architect of Soviet communism.

 “We must now say proudly and without any exaggeration that apart from Soviet Russia, there is not a country in the world where women enjoy full equality and where women are not placed in the humiliating position felt particularly in day-to-day family life. This is one of our first and most important tasks..."

 “Housework is the most unproductive, the most barbarous and the most arduous work a woman can do. It is exceptionally petty and does not include anything that would in any way promote the development of the woman...The building of socialism will begin only when we have achieved the complete equality of women and when we undertake the new work together with women who have been emancipated from that petty stultifying, unproductive work...We are setting up model institutions, dining-rooms and nurseries, that will emancipate women from housework...These institutions that liberate women from their position as household slaves are springing up where it is in any way possible...Our task is to make politics available to every working woman.”

The Task of the Working Women’s Movement in the Soviet Republic, Lenin, 1919

The Communist Manifesto was published on February 21, 1848. 164 years ago. Today, many Christians have accepted and even practice the radical communistic and feminist philosophies laid out by Marx, Lenin, and their followers such as Betty Friedan.

 Here, Lenin explains that getting women out of the kitchen and the nursery by changing social morality is key to the triumph of communism.

“The chief thing is to get women to take part in socially productive labor, to liberate them from ‘domestic slavery,’ to free them from their stupefying [idiotic] and humiliating subjugation to the eternal drudgery of the kitchen and the nursery. This struggle will be a long one, and it demands a radical reconstruction, both of social technique and of morale. But it will end in the complete triumph of Communism.”

 Quoted in Dr. Francis Nigel Lee’s Communist Eschatology: A Christian Philosophical Analysis of the Post-Capitalistic Views of Marx, Engels and Lenin. Chapter XI: The Family in Communist Eschatology, pg. 332, The Craig Press.

Have we traded in Gods amazing plan for visionary womanhood and accepted and embraced feminism? The very thing which Marx believed would end in the complete triumph of communism!

Consider then, the words of Peter Marshall on the challenge of  Modern Motherhood

"The challenge of the twentieth-century motherhood is as old as motherhood itself. Although the average American mother has advantages that pioneer women never knew—material advantages: education, culture, advances made by science and medicine; although the modern mother knows a great deal more about sterilization, diets, health, calories, germs, drugs, medicines and vitamins, than her mother did, there is one subject about which she does not know as much—and that is God.

The modern challenge to motherhood is the eternal challenge—that of being a godly woman. The very phrase sounds strange in our ears. We never hear it now. We hear about every other kind of women—beautiful women, smart women, sophisticated women, career woman, talented women, divorced women, but so seldom do we hear of a godly woman—or of a godly man either, for that matter.

I believe women come nearer to fulfilling their God-given function in the home than anywhere else. It is a much nobler thing to be a good wife than to be Miss America. It is a greater achievement to establish a Christian home than it is to produce a second-rate novel filled with filth. It is a far, far better thing in the realm of morals to be old-fashioned than to be ultramodern.

The world has enough women who know how to hold their cocktails, who have lost all their illusions and their faith. The world has enough women who know how to be smart.It needs women who are willing to be simple. The world has enough women who know how to be brilliant. It needs some who will be brave. The world has enough women who are popular. It needs more who are pure. We need woman, and men, too, who would rather be morally right that socially correct."

The role of the keeper at home, once deeply appreciated and honored, is now looked upon as drudgery and an insult to the intelligence of today’s woman. The woman who actually wants to be home with her family is made to feel foolish and guilty. Any one can do laundry, change diapers, make a meal and wipe noses so why not hire someone else to handle these chores? Why should modern women waste their time and ambitions on such things when they can go out and unleash their talents on the world?

 "Oh, that God would give every mother a vision of the glory and splendor of the work that is given to her when a babe is place in her bosom to be nursed and trained! Could she have but one glimpse into the future of that life as it reaches on into eternity; could she be made to understand her own personal responsibility for the training of this child, for the development of its life, and for its destiny, – she would see that in all God’s world there is no other work so noble and so worthy of her best powers, and she would commit to no other hands the sacred and holy trust give to her.”
                 -J.R. Miller

Although feminism continues her barrage against Biblical womanhood, we must refuse to heed her lies anymore. We must return to the beautiful “old paths” (Jeremiah 6:16) of Scripture and keep the Lord’s standard ever before us.

 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. 

Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs 31:10, 21 

Happy Birthday, Mama!

Thank you, mama, for being the example of a Proverbs 31 woman. Every single line of this proverb rings true of you. I hope to be at least a tiny bit like you someday. I love you and am blessed beyond measure that you are my mom.

 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies

The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
 She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
 She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
 She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
 She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
 She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
 She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
 She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
 Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
 She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs 31:10-31

Happy Birthday, Mama!

The Blessing of Ordinary Days

After being asked 3 times in two days, just what exactly I do during the day as an "older" home schooled student, that doesn't have a job outside of the home, and, to outward appearances, spends quite a bit more time than normal just staying home.

I thought it might be fun to blog what a "average" day is like for me, so here you are. Below, I have journaled (with my pictures and words) what yesterday looked like.  Out of all the days in the week (besides Sundays), Mondays are the most routine and consistent ones for me. (As an aside... though the account below says "this morning", it was actually written yesterday. ;)

My favorite time of the day is the morning.  For some reason, I feel better and I'm far more productive throughout the day when I rise early.  This morning I was up at 4:30, I had to be careful not to make any noise as most of my siblings are still sleeping, so I grabbed my Bible and books and tiptoed downstairs to read by the fire. I made a quick cup of  tea to drink while I had my quiet time with Jesus : )

This year I going through the One Year Bible again, the two other books I'm reading in the morning  are Letters to a Daughter by William B. Sprague, and Defending your Faith by R.C. Sproul.

I also spend a little time reviewing the bible verses I am memorizing.

I read and pray, and think for about 45 minutes,  I find that it helps to get my mind and heart right for the day ahead.  If I neglect or forget to spend time in the Word, I always notice later on in the day....

5:15

I do a quick check of my email, maybe do a little blogging and blog reading, and check a couple of my favorite sites like SetApartgirl.

5:45

I head upstairs to gather the dirty laundry, and then down to the laundry room to sort it and start a load.

6:00

By this time all but the two littlest in my family are up so I can get ready for the day without worrying about making to much noise. : )

6:30 

I heard the washing machine stop, so I throw another load in.

The wee ones are awake, so I help Mom get them ready for the day. 

7:00

Family Devotions! We have done a variety of things for devotions, but we are currently reading through one chapter in the O.T. and one in the New, and going through the corresponding questions in Balancing the Sword. We also love to sing a hymn or two.

8:00

After devotions we all help get breakfast ready. All but Malachi declined having their picture taken while they we eating, I'm not sure why ; )

8:30 

We all have different morning chores before we start our studies, I have kitchen duty this month and sweet Malachi decided he wanted to "help" wash the dishes but unfortunately all the pics of the soap and water everywhere turned out kinda blurry.

9:00

Studies begin, everyone disperses to the various table spaces available and quiet reigns...... for about five minutes...... : )

11:15

Time to start lunch preparations with some amazing little helpers. Just a simple salad and leftover muffins today.

  

11:30

We all gather at the table for lunch, eat, talk about how the day is going, and read the Proverb of the day (31 Proverbs, 31 days a month, well most of the time.) 

12:00

The little people play outside. Two of my dear friends live a few blocks over and we try to talk a walk together at least three times a week. A lovely time of talking and walking : )

12:30

Everyone is back inside. We tidy up the house and clean up lunch dishes and then everyone disperses to their quiet time places. It's naps for the wee ones and reading for everyone else.

1:00

Quiet reading.....

2:00

Bible Copy. We have been copying the Bible since 2010 and it has been a huge blessing to us. To learn more go here.

2:30

Letter Writing. Our goal is for each of us to write at least one letter a week and us older children usually do at least two.

3:00

We all fold laundry while Mama reads.

3:30 

This is free time at our house, or, "delight directed studies"  so what happens on day to day basis varies greatly! Today I went over to a neighbors house to receive directions on how to care for all their various critters as I will be house sitting for them when they leave on their trip.  Then I spent some time sewing on a birthday present for my Mom, which unfortunately I cannot share with you as my Mom reads my blog : )

4:15

Dinner prep was super easy tonight. We often double or triple recipes when we cook and then freeze portions for further use. Tonight we had super yummy squash, chicken and chickpea curry on rice.

4:45

Dinner. I love mealtimes with my family. We each try to bring something to the table to share and there is always lots of discussion!

5:30

We all work together to clean up dinner dishes and tidy the house. Then everyone heads upstairs and the little people get ready for bed, while the big people help and get things ready for the next day.

6:30

We have family worship and reading almost every night. After Daddy reads some Scripture, we usually sing a couple of hymns and songs and then on to the stories.  :) Right now we are reading Teddy's Button written by Amy LeFeuvre  in 1890.

The rest of my evening is usually spent doing various things... reading, writing letters to sweet friends etc.

This is an example of what a "home day" looks like for me. On different days of the week I have several outside activities I am involved in like, Choir, Sewing lessons, Piano lessons, Babysitting and fellowship with friends.

 The main purpose of this post was to encourage you (mainly you young ladies) to evaluate the way you spend your days.  (Writing down what I was doing throughout the day certainly helped me to stay on task!) Continue to diligently serve the Lord and your families, even through times when you become discouraged. Resist the temptation to feel that what you do each day is unimportant.  If you push through the desire to grumble and give up, the reward will be far sweeter than you can imagine.

"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. 

Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. 

Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.

Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established."

-Proverbs 4:23-26

Musical Monday - Now Why This Fear

 "Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."  

Hebrews 4:16

Verse 1
Now why this fear and unbelief?
Has not the Father put to grief
His spotless Son for us?
And will the righteous Judge of men
Condemn me for that debt of sin
Now canceled at the cross?

Chorus
Jesus, all my trust is in Your blood
Jesus, You’ve rescued us
Through Your great love

Verse 2
Complete atonement You have made
And by Your death have fully paid
The debt Your people owed
No wrath remains for us to face
We’re sheltered by Your saving grace
And sprinkled with Your blood

Bridge
How sweet the sound of saving grace
How sweet the sound of saving grace
Christ died for me

Verse 3
Be still my soul and know this peace
The merits of your great high priest
Have bought your liberty
Rely then on His precious blood
Don’t fear your banishment from God
Since Jesus sets you free

Sitting at Jesus' feet

I heard Him say, "Be single-hearted, My Bride"

The applause and shame of men despise.

Care not at all what they think and say,

Place thy eyes on Me: I will not delay.

Break at My feet alone thy spikenard jar,

I want thy heart from Me not afar.
Incline to Me thy intimate thoughts;

Embrace the narrow road that is rough -
For My love is far better than wine;
For thou art Mine, and I am thine.
Run to Me despite what thy enemies tell,
I have crushed them under My feet; they all fell.
My blood will cover thee in and out of need,
It will empower thee for multitudes to feed.

Examine My Word to find Me alone,
Each new day let me rule in thy hearts throne.
Be not afraid, I uphold thee in My right hand;
I am the One who will make thee stand.
My grace, love, and peace have already sufficed;

I AM thy Lover, thy LORD; I AM thy Christ.
Deny thy interests, give Me thy life;
I long to make thee a gracious wife.
The single-hearted virgins were bought with a price;
Their affection and interest are for the Risen Christ.
With undivided heart they delight in His name,

To be His and His alone they are not ashamed.
In Adullam's cave they have joined their King;
In being hunted and despised for His sake they rejoice and sing.
There they are made ready for the fight,
Being freshly anointed with the captain's might.
In pain and purging they cleave to the Spirit's Sword;
In the Lord's strength and grace they march forward.
The Lamb's righteousness is their cloak,
And only in the cross they dare to boast.

They become Mary sitting at Jesus' feet,
And following only where the Spirit leads.
With effectual fervent prayers they intercede;
Building up broken walls, standing for the least.
They do not indulge under a chapel's bell,
But spend themselves within an yard from hell.
In the bedrocks of unchangeable truth they stand
Immovable and shielded by the Almighty Hand.
And this is the single-hearted virgins' cry:
"Give the glory due to the Triune GOD on High!"

 Written by Thaysse Costa

Make Me Your Fuel, Flame of God

From prayer that asks that I may be
Sheltered from winds that beat on Thee,
From fearing when I should aspire,
From faltering when I should climb higher
From silken self, O Captain, free
Thy soldier who would follow Thee.

From subtle love of softening things,
From easy choices, weakenings,
(Not thus are spirits fortified,
Not this way went the Crucified)
From all that dims Thy Calvary
O Lamb of God, deliver me.

Give me the love that leads the way,
The faith that nothing can dismay
The hope no disappointments tire,
The passion that will burn like fire;
Let me not sink to be a clod;
Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God.

—Amy Wilson Carmichael

 He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30

 

For our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:29

 

Teach me Your way, O Lord;I will walk in Your truth;
Unite my heart to fear Your name. Psalm 86:11

 

This my prayer today, tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, Lord for all my life make me 

thy fuel! 

Valentines Day 2012

Valentines Day, sappy little cards, candy hearts, way to much chocolate, and romance run ragged, is that what this day is really all about?
 Not at all, in reality it is the story of a brave Christian martyr.
There are more facts and fables surrounding Valentine’s Day than just about any other holiday. One of the most fascinating is the true story of Saint Valentine himself. Although searches turned up a number of saints named Valentine, one is most likely the namesake of our familiar holiday. He is credited with helping Christians during the persecution by Claudius II, the Roman Emperor in the 3rd Century.
The Romans, at the time, made it a crime to provide even aid or comfort to Christians. According to history Valentinus was thrown into a dungeon. His jailor, Asterious, was not overly harsh but the priest had only the barest of necessities of life. His one comfort while in prison was his friendship with Asterious’ daughter, his blind daughter, who befriended the kindly priest by bringing him food and delivering messages.
After a year in jail, Valentinus was summoned to appear before Claudius II. The Emperor was so impressed with the young priest’s dignity that Claudius attempted to convert him to worshiping Roman gods to save him from execution. Valentinus, however, refused to renounce Christianity and attempted to convert the Emperor to Christianity. Claudius became furious, and ordered that Saint Valentine be beaten with clubs, stoned, and executed.
In the last days of his life, Valentinus, through his faith, restored the sight of the jailer’s daughter. He also converted Asterious and the girl to Christianity, an act which would eventually result in their execution as well. On the eve of his execution, the priest wrote a farewell message to the girl and signed it, "From your Valentine." His execution was carried out on February 14, 269 A.D., outside the Flaminian gate in Rome.
According to legend, a pink almond tree, a symbol of abiding love, blossomed near his grave.
The valentine has become the universal symbol of friendship and affection shared each anniversary of the priest’s execution. The day we affectionately call Valentine’s Day.

We have a tradition of listening to a special Valentine Adventures of Odyssey Audio program about Saint Valentine each year.

We also do some special things with food and exchange little gifts.

Heart shaped butters 

A special little gift from a sweet little sister

My Daddy and Mama's wedding photo

Cutting out some hearts

A fun snack made by my dear brothers

Adding some basil to the Spaghetti sauce with our adorable measuring spoons

Add some red and pink napkins and some candles and you're set

And just for fun, a picture of my purity ring ( it's kind hard to see in this picture but it has a little heart in the middle of it )

 Happy Valentines Day!

In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.  In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. 

 1 John 4:9-12 

Musical Monday - Many Roads

If you'll step inside this great glass elevator  

It'll take us up above the city lights  

To where the planet curves away to the equator  

I want to show you something fine

You can see the roads that we all traveled just to get here  

A million minuscule decisions in a line  

Why they brought us to this moment isn't clear 

But that's all right, we've got all night

Could it be that the many roads  

You took to get here  

Were just for me to tell this story  

And for you to hear this song  

And your many hopes  

And your many fears  

Were meant to bring you here all along

So if you'll trust me with your time 

I'll spend it wisely I will sing to you with all I have to give 

If you traveled all this way, then I will do my best to play 

My biggest hits (that don't exist)

And if you'll lend to me your ear I'll sing 'em pretty  

I will never, ever sing 'em out of tune  

And I will not forget the words, of any chorus, bridge, 

or verse I promise you

CHORUS
We've got Benjamin to play the grand piano  

If we're lucky it's a little out of tune  

We've got Andy on the guitar 'cause I promised him Some Texas barbecue

How I love to watch you listen to the music  

'Cause you sing to me a music of your own  

As I cast out all these lines, so afraid that I will find 

I am alone, all alone

Could it be that the many roads I took to get here  

Were just for you to tell that story  

And for me to hear that song  

And my many hopes  

And my many fears  

Were meant to bring me here all along  

We were meant to be right here all along

Andrew Peterson - Counting Stars Album 

Asking the Tough Questions - Eric Ludy

"So who are you to give your life to Jesus Christ, and then define the terms of how he will use your life?"

Sonatina Op. 55, No. 1 by Friedrich Kuhlau

Yesterday I picked out the piece I will be playing for the Spring piano recital! I cant wait to learn to play this. Enjoy!

Rising Early

"Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise." - Benjamin Franklin

One of my new year resolutions was to start rising earlier. This is definitely not my natural inclination, given the choice I'd probably stay up way to late reading and sleep in. : )
In my family though, sleeping in has never really been much of an option. We each have a list of responsibilities in addition to personal care that we are to have completed by 7:00 which is when we have our family devotions. I was getting convicted though, that I needed to be giving the first part of my day to the LORD, not just slamming a chapter of the bible and a quick prayer in the midst of morning preparations.

Also, in the example of the Proverbs 31 woman we see that "She riseth also while it is yet night," (Proverbs 31:15) She is up before the sun, showing that idleness and laziness have no place with her.

In Proverbs 6:6-11 "How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep— So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, And your need like an armed man."

And in Proverbs 26:14 "As a door turns on its hinges, So does the lazy man on his bed." Here it says that a lazy person in bed is like a door that turns upon its hinges. The slothful keeps turning upon his bed; he doesn't want to leave it. He turns to one side on his bed. Then he turns to the other side on his bed. Whichever way he turns, he is still on the bed. This kinda reminds me of hitting the snooze button, have you ever noticed how wonderful those 5 minutes of sleep are!

Gorge Muller, one of my favorite missionaries, shares some thoughts on rising early:

"I want to encourage all believers to get into the habit of rising early to meet with God. How much time should be allowed for rest? No rule of universal application can be given because all persons do not require the same amount of sleep. Also the same persons, at different times, according to the strength or weakness of their body, may require more or less. Most doctors agree that healthy men do not require more than between six or seven hours of sleep, and females need no more than seven or eight hours."

"Someone may ask, “But why should I rise early?” To remain too long in bed is a waste of time. Wasting time is unbecoming a saint who is bought by the precious blood of Jesus. His time and all he has is to be used for the Lord. If we sleep more than is necessary for the refreshment of the body, it is wasting the time the Lord has entrusted us to be used for His glory, for our own benefit, and for the benefit of the saints and unbe­lievers around us."

Using my time wisely was also one of the reasons I wanted to start rising earlier.

"And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light." (Romans 13:11-12)

For the first few weeks of January I consistently found myself hitting the snooze button way to many times, but I gradually got used to the new schedule and I have found many benefits.

1. The number one thing has really been consistently having a time of scripture reading and prayer each morning. "in the morning my prayer comes before You." (Psalm 188:13) "Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105) If I don’t focus on the Lord first thing, I often lose sight of my mission during the business of the day.

“Ever plan for yourself in simple dependence on God. It is nothing less than self-idolatry to conceive that we can carry on even the ordinary matters of the day without His counsel. He loves to be consulted. Consider no circumstance too clear to need his direction. In all thy ways, small as well as great; in all thy concerns, personal or relative; temporal or eternal, let Him be supreme. Who of us has not found the unspeakable ‘peace’ of bringing God matters to minute or individual to be entrusted to the most confidential ear?” - Charles Bridges

2. The Quiet. I love all my younger siblings and couldn't imagine life without them, but the truth is, their really loud! Having a quiet time to focus on my goals and plans for the day is really a blessing. I truly enjoy that time of peace, the time to myself, when I can think, when I can read, when I can breath.
3. I am able to accomplish so much in the early morning hours.


As of now I am getting up around 4:30, I go to bed around 9:30 so I'm still getting 7 hours of sleep which is plenty for me right now.

This quote was really convicting to me.

"How much a person loves the Lord can be judged primarily by the way he chooses between his bed and the Lord. Do you love your bed or the Lord more? If you love your bed more, you sleep a little longer. If you love the Lord more, you rise up a little earlier."     - A Sister in Christ

An Open Letter to Conservative Christian Guys

I read this on Your Sacred Calling a few months ago and ran across it again today. The thoughts this young lady is sharing is something that many of my friends and I have discussed.

An Open Letter to Conservative Christian Guys
From a Conservative Christian Young Woman
Struggling to Remain Modest, Pure, and Content

I know that every family has different standards. They have different convictions that the Lord has put upon their hearts, and different likes and dislikes, unique styles and tastes. Christian fathers differ on plenty of things too. Therefore, the way each father leads his family varies. But, sometimes things that are clearly against the teachings of the Bible, get veiled under the “our own standards” cloak.

I don’t have a problem with girls wearing pants. I don’t have a problem with girls wearing only skirts. I don’t have a problem with stylish clothes, jewelry, makeup, or fashion—I wear these things.

What I do have a problem with is girls who purposefully flaunt themselves in front of young men, especially since one of them could very well be my future husband – and I have a huge problem with the guys who fall for them.

I don’t plan on compromising my standards. I’m certainly not saying, “If you don’t stop acting like a bunch of Gentiles (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5), I’m going to join you.” By God’s grace, I am committed to controlling my physical desires, rather than walking “in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God…” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)

So why do I dress and behave as I do? Why do I avoid defrauding you by flirting with you and tempting you to sin? Why don’t I enjoy your attention by lowering myself…by flaunting my body? God’s Word tells me that I was created for better things than this—and so were you. I have a husband out there somewhere who will appreciate my faithfulness.

 “Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.” (Proverbs 31:10)

“Women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing…” (1 Timothy 2:9-10)

“To be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.” (Titus 2:5)

“That our daughters may be as pillars, sculptured in palace style…” (Psalm 144:12)

I pray he’s being just as faithful.

I don’t want to be like the woman in Proverbs 7 who selfishly flatters and entices men. I want to cause only one man to desire me- and that is my future husband.

Maybe it’s just me, but I find it really discouraging when I see a girl in revealing clothes, and a flirtatious attitude walk into the room and my brothers in Christ, those “conservative, Christian (and yes, even homeschooled) young men flock to her side. They tease, flirt, and boost her ego (which encourages her to keep it up) by giving this girl every ounce of their attention.

“To keep you from the evil woman, From the flattering tongue of a seductress. Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, Nor let her allure you with her eyelids.” (Proverbs 6:24-25)

Meanwhile, girls like me who dress modestly sit in the background, wondering if it’s all worth it (by the way, I’m not talking denim sacks and tennis shoes – I dress attractively). I’ve been faithful to my family, I’ve worked hard to develop my homemaking skills, I’ve studied hard, I’ve remained pure, and I’ve prepared myself for motherhood.

Yet, sometimes I find myself tempted to wonder how I’ll ever get married if I don’t throw out a little “bait.” I don’t plan to do this, but I’m being frank about some of the struggles we Christian girls face.

I’ve read the Modesty Survey by the Harris boys and I’ve listened to young men beg young women to dress modestly. Well, I heard you, guys, and I loved you enough to comply. So, why can’t you take your eyes off the girl in the tight jeans? Get a grip.

What do you think these sorts of actions communicate to us? What does it say to Christian girls who are striving to honor the Lord? Girls who have been faithful at home, preparing for…well, for you? I’ll tell you. It shows us what you truly value: How a girl looks; how much of her body she flaunts; that you don’t value modesty; and that what we’ve been striving to do (help you guard your eyes) is totally unappreciated.

Recently, I found it very hurtful when someone at church made a comment to me about how “dorky” it was to wear only skirts. I replied, “I wear pants when the situation calls for it, but my father prefers me to wear skirts, so that is what you’ll usually see me in. I’m honoring my father, so why ridicule me? Why not encourage me?

I’m also wondering why so many of you are going outside of your own churches to pursue girls who are weak and worldly in their walk with the Lord—girls who, based on their current lifestyle choices, may not even want to homeschool your children. I’ve heard some of you excuse your attachments to these girls—girls who reject all that your parents hold dear, by insisting you will “change her” or you will “teach her.”

I always thought this was something that only girls dealt with (wanting to “change” the “bad boy”) – but no! It’s happening to guys too! It’s happening all around me every day – Christian young men who seem to want a girl who is “cool” and who shows off her body.

But I have to ask you a question. Do you really believe that the girl who flirts and flaunts herself while she’s single, will suddenly become the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 if she marries you? I’m afraid too many men have learned the hard way that this isn’t how it works.

Just because a girl is a Christian doesn’t mean she will be faithful after marriage – perhaps she won’t be unfaithful physically, but what about emotionally? Don’t you see how dangerous this is? The fact that so many beautiful, faithful, Christian girls are being ignored and passed up is shameful—and for such fleshly reasons!

I’m weary of it. Stop loving what is “cool” and start loving what is “holy.” (1 Peter 1:13-16) If you’re having trouble discerning who would and who would not make a good wife, why don’t you ask your father for help? Listen to his council and don’t stop your ears to his words. “My son, pay attention to my wisdom; lend your ear to my understanding,” (Proverbs 5:1) “Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.” (Proverbs 31:10)

Please, young men, look past the flirty girls. Look for a young woman who will be faithful to you all the days of her life. Look for a young woman who will honor you, love and nurture your children, and make your house a haven—a woman who you can safely trust in.

“The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.” (Proverbs 31:11-12)

Look at her heart. I know that’s so cliché, but it’s true. Look at who she is. Look at how she honors her father, how she treats her siblings, how she communicates with other young men, the way she carries herself.

Please, for the sake of the girls out there who are striving to honor the Lord—the girls who have worked hard to remain faithful, and who long to get married, don’t forget about us—for the sake of your family, your future, and your children; but, most of all, for the sake of your God.

Polly put the kettle on, we'll all have tea.

You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.
~C.S. Lewis

There's just something special about a big mug of herbal tea with some honey and cream....add a good book and a cozy throw and I'll be in bliss!

This is a herbal tea blend that some dear friends of ours shared with us many years ago and which is one of our favorites.

Herbal Tea Blend (we don't really have a name for it)

2 parts each of Alfalfa, Bilberry, Chamomile, Ginger, Milk Thistle, Red Clover, and Red Raspberry

1 part each of Cinnamon, Orange peel, Rose hips, Hibiscus, and Chicory root.

add 1/3 cup of tea blend to 1 1/2 quarts filtered water. Bring just to the point of boiling then remove from heat and let steep several minutes. Strain into a cup. Serve with honey and cream for best flavor. Yum!

This tea is best enjoyed with a good book. I'm currently reading "It's (Not that) Complicated" By Anna Sophia and Elizabeth Botkin and I am really enjoying it. I'm hoping to do a little book review as soon as I finish it.

If you are looking for a place to buy bulk herbs the Bulk Herb Store is a great place to purchase online.

Have a lovely day!

This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

The Man I can Respect

My dear friend Miss Michaela Danielle shared this lovely poem she has written on her blog Flip flops and Rainboots and I wanted to share it with you all. Enjoy!

The Man I Can Respect

He does not turn his eyes to the right or the left

The LORD is in the center where his gaze is direct

He shows his love for his sisters in the way that he treats them

His thoughts toward them are pure and therefore his deeds are

The training that he values is to be a true man

That is to walk in the footsteps of Him with scars in His hands

He respects and listens to all of his elders

He has bought into wisdom and never will sell her

Daily in the Word and is constant in prayer

That is the sign of a godly growing man there

Keeping up the good company with his strong Christian friends

Though he has a passion for witnessing to lost men

“Go into all the world and preach the good news of Christ”

This is the cry of his mouth and the spark in his eyes

But how he conducts himself is really most of his ministry

For he lives in the knowledge that God sees his integrity

And then comes the modesty, chivalry, ability, no frivialty

Sold out for his God – that speaks volumes to me

Always checking in scriptures to reform his theology

Looking how the truth applies in life and reality

And if he loves something he will love God more

Wiping out the rivals that his heart will compete for

He is completely secure in his identity

Simply saying “only through His blood did He save me”

And really, I know he’s not perfect; sometimes he will sin

But none of us live life and get straight “A”s therein

But he’ll confess it again and receive all forgiveness

Own up to his guilt and then really turn from it

- This is the man I can put my respect in

by Michaela Danielle