my new address

IS GOING LIVE  

December 3!!

with a special 2-part guest post from my hubby!!!

"she needed to change..."

 {oh boy, did I ever!}

:)

DON'T MISS IT!!

 Please come on over and be sure to sign up for email updates!

 and find me on FACEBOOK for even more.

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I will have a few posts during December, 

and they will be published on both blogs, 

but beginning January 1, 

all new posts will be exclusively at the new address!

Chicken Reasoning [guest blogger]

this post is from my hubby! 

so excited to have his thoughts to share. 

[We in NO way are judging those who did or did not attend the appreciation day. These are just some thoughts from his heart to my readers. 

I also have a post scheduled for tomorrow on the same topic.]

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Back in July, Chick-fil-A’s (CFA) CEO, Dan Cathy, spoke out against same sex marriage and how he believes marriage is between one man and one woman. What a great statement! Though unfortunately, in this day and age, attacks are sure to come when you speak out against something that the left agrees with. The CEO never mentioned he hated the LGBT lifestyle participants, he just spoke out against their lifestyle. Here are some of the comments that have come under high scrutiny:

We are very much supportive of the family -- the biblical definition of the family unit. We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that.

Yesterday marked a wonderful day of out pouring of support, to local CFA’s around the country; and though I did not personally participate, I know of many good people and Christians who did.

That was yesterday, August 1st, 2012.

But how about the other 364 days out of the year?

How about last year? How about this century?

The fact of the matter is, most, I would venture to say 80-90%, of those who waited in line to order their tasty sandwich have never opened their mouths to voice their “freedom of speech” in the form of a letter to a Congressman. Sure, they may have tagged along on some internet form letter, but how many of us have actually taken an individual step to voice our concern on the issue of same sex marriages and unions?

There are several problems with the appreciation event at local CFA’s yesterday that truly concern me:

1-Although people lined up for this cause, many of these same people have literally done nothing to reverse the many LGBT lifestyle agendas that have been put in place. Sure they may have voted against a proposition in their state, but that is not really going above and beyond, that is a status quo option. (above and beyond: writing/calling Congressmen, State Congressmen, shown an activist role in defeating this “lifestyle agenda”, etc. etc.)


2-It appeared that, to many, eating a chicken sandwich yesterday somehow made them  feel, dare I say it, more spiritual? What a sad state of affairs that is. Whole states have been lost to the GLBT agenda, 6 to be exact, because, to be honest, people think that eating a chicken sandwich is truly accomplishing something. It does nothing to change the laws in those 6 states or the 13 other states that now allow same-sex unions. 


3-Many went to support the comments of CFA’s CEO. That is a noble thing to do. But preachers proclaim the truth of God’s Word week after week, and sometimes people attack the man of God. True, it might not always be something like homosexuality. It might just so happen to be the pastor dared preach against our “pet” sin, and thus we resort to attack what he says even though it is the truth of God’s Word, just as much truth as what CEO Dan Cathy stated in his interview. 


4-Why does the homosexual community even feel the way they do towards Christians? I would say a large part of it has to do with the way some Christians have treated them. I know some people who live the homosexual lifestyle, and I praise the Lord that every single one of them has said something like this to me before, “you aren’t like the others (Christians), you accept me for who I am and treat me right.” They knew I did not like their lifestyle; but you know what, they also knew I cared for THEM, that I loved as a person. I praise the Lord that not only has He helped me to be able to feel that way, but they were able to see it as well. We must accept people where they are, and then HELP THEM (not BEAT THEM) become what God wants them to become.


5-Our bottom line through all of this should not be to support a man, or worse, to eat a good chicken sandwich. Our bottom line should be to be the witness we ought to be to reach this segment of the population. One amazing thing about Christ and His ministry on earth is that He would see multitudes of people, and He would even see their sin, and yet He still had compassion on them. He saw the woman at the well, and instantly knew everything about this woman, how she was living in sin many times over. And what did He do? He had compassion on her soul. He sought her out on an individual basis so she could live in heaven forever. 


share the gospel!

6-Similarly to #5, many in local churches give to support missions and missionaries through their local church. But unfortunately, that is where it ends for many Christians. They seem to justify in their mind that giving to missions is doing their part in reaching the world for Christ. Although this is needy, God says it is necessary for EACH Christian to open their mouth and proclaim Christ. Just living for God will never reach anyone. It might make them curious, but if you never share the Gospel nothing has been accomplished for Christ. Jesus reached people by speaking to them and sharing the Gospel with them. Think of it this way, if there was anyone who could have reached more through lifestyle evangelism, it would have been the perfect man of Jesus Christ, and yet He still spoke to people about how to be saved.

Many used yesterday to make a statement, and I do not fault them for this. But we must not let it END there. This can be the beginning of something new.

Get involved- spiritually, politically, and personally.

We can all pray for the Lord of the harvest to work amongst us to see more saved. That is truly where victory in life lies, it is not in Washington. It is not even at the state or local political level. It is how we allow God to work in and through us each day that will truly last forever.

My challenge is simple. Many spent 60+ minutes to order food to make a statement, or support freedom of speech, or whatever their reason was. Today you can spend less time than that to reach out and write a letter to your Congressman.

Just think, if just half of those who went through the chicken doors yesterday were to write a letter today stating their support of marriage between one man and one woman, Congress would be inundated with letters; and I believe they would seriously need to look at legislation that could change the course of our nation.

To help you out, here is a link to write to your Congressman: 

FIND YOUR CONGRESSMAN

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{all photos were randomly found on google. 

nothing is mine and I have no links to share.}

Please feel free to comment on here or my Facebook page. I'll be sure he reads them!!

a price above rubies .12 [guest blogger]

WELCOME to Candace from

Sonbeams: 

Raising up Sonbeams for Him!

[She has developed a wonderful pre-school curriculum 

and has many helpful products!

See the end of this post for additional links] 

 

I asked her if she were willing to choose a verse in Proverbs 31 to expound in a modern way, and she graciously consented to write about verse 21. I have to admit that I had asked for her post in advance since she was expecting a wee bundle of love and then life happened. It was not posted on time and I forgot about it. Candace is a sweet Christian lady who writes...

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

Proverbs 31:21

She is not afraid; she has no need to worry about her family’s needs being met; she is prepared for whatever might come her way.

We live in a modern day world, and unfortunately for myself, I depend greatly on these modern conveniences. But the Proverbs 31 woman foresees what might come her way, and not only is she prepared, she is prepared with the best! I personally take the snow in this verse to relate to storms here in Alabama.

How can we apply this verse to our lives today? For our 1 income family, we are taking advantage of coupons and sales to stock up on necessity emergency items such as bandaids, toilet paper, solar energy products, freeze dried foods, even closeout clothes! As long as we have a place to store something that is a necessity AND a great deal, we stock up.

We look for ways to save on clothing, such as the sometimes new clothes you can find a the thrift store. Sheets in good condition can be sewn into skirts, or pillowcases. Long ladies dresses can be transformed into little girl dresses. Grab up mens pants at a fraction of the cost of retail – and look for durable material that will hold up well over time.

Take advantage of sales on soaps and candles, or better yet, learn to make them yourself! Not only will you reap the rewards of savings, you will have a product with ingredients you are in control of.

Research natural remedies and essential oils for basic health and cleaning purposes. Again, being able to make your own products will not only save on costs, but will be very beneficial should an emergency cut you off from stores or outside help.

I have a great respect for the woman in this verse; and it is very encouraging to me that she is not afraid when circumstances change on her, because she is prepared.

I will close with encouraging you to take a minute the next time the power goes out to see exactly what all it is that you are doing. How are you affected? Can you still fix dinner, wash clothes, tell time, etc...? Take this and learn how to be better prepared next time.

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Thank you, Candace. Being prepared for an emergency is definitely something we ought to be thinking of during the days in which we live.

Please visit her at Sonbeams! She has developed some wonderful curriculum for pre-schoolers as well as many helpful products including a Children's Bible Songs CD [GREAT Christmas gift] in which there are 26 songs -a Bible verse set to music for each letter of the alphabet!

a price above rubies. 8 [guest blogger]

WELCOME to Angela from

Hidden Treasures

I asked her if she were willing to choose a verse in Proverbs 31 to expound in a modern way, and she graciously consented to write about verse 16. Angela is a sweet Christian lady who writes...

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Strengthening Ourselves for the Work

Proverbs 31:17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 

We know that Proverbs 31 is not talking about any one woman in particular. Rather it is talking about the ideal woman. The "virtuous woman" is a measuring stick by which we measure our own selves. Do you want to be a virtuous woman? I do!

The best part of Proverbs 31, in my opinion, is that it was written by Solomon who wrote what was taught him by his mother. Whats so wonderful about that? Well, Solomon's mother was none other than Bathsheba! Bathsheba is remembered for having adultery with King David. Not very virtuous, and yet, God used her to tell the world what character traits should be found in a "Virtuous Woman"! How wonderful that God would do such a thing for her. And just think what God can do with us if we let Him!

She girdeth her loins with strength...

The word gird literally means "to prepare for action". Loins refer the parts of the body between the hips and the lower ribs. This part of the body has long been considered the seat of physical strength and generative power. 

...strengtheneth her arms. ~This seems pretty self explanatory. 

Women in today's world don't have the same requirements women in Solomon's day had. We don't usually buy fields, or make our own fabrics. My husband would flip if I informed him that I bought field while he was at work today! And then I would be strengthening my arms and loins to push mow an entire field since my husband doesn't have time for it himself! I don't think so!

So, really, how can we apply this verse to ourselves in today's modern life style?

Let's face it. Housework and child rearing isn't easy as some may think. Some of our jobs may require muscle - a little elbow grease. If you have a job such as this you may need to strengthen yourself for that job. Yard work, gardening, canning, moving furniture (or the refrigerator) to vacuum under, organizing closets or the garage are all jobs that take muscles. However, most of my responsibilities don't take muscle, necessarily, but stamina and will power. Patience and a good work ethic help quite a bit too! It has been said that a woman's work is never done. I totally agree! I think that may be because we have so many different jobs and there's never a time when we're "off duty". 

So, how do we strengthen (or prepare) ourselves for the jobs we have to do? 

We must trust God. Deuteronomy 33:25 says, ...and as thy days, so shall thy 

strength be. I'm so glad it doesn't say, As thy strength so all thy days be!!! I would have been dead with the birth of my first child! (or sooner!) God is good to provide us with the strength we need to continue (HIS strength!). Especially when it's His work that we are doing. And raising children to love Him IS His work! Pray and ask God for His strength. He's already promised it!

We can prepare ourselves for the work ahead by eating healthy food. (Don't get me started on this! {you can read about it here} I need to stay on topic.) Eating healthy food is a must in order to feel well and do well at the things we are given to do. Did you know the Bible talks a great deal about food? God wants us to enjoy our food, but He wants us to eat the real food that He's provided. It's not selfish to take care of yourself. You MUST take care of yourself if you plan on taking care of everyone else. I Corinthians 6:19-20 ~ What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

*Take your vitamins or iron pills. I hate to spend money on iron pills; but if I don't, my house suffers, meals are boring and the children fend for themselves because I'm useless. Dizzy and tired doesn't get the house work or the laundry done. I used to try to buy the cheapo pills, but I've learned that they don't work either. It may be expensive, but it's worth it if it will help you get your jobs done well. 

A good work ethic is very helpful! Have the washing machine and the dryer running while you are cleaning the bathroom and making your bed. Teach your children to help. At the very least they should be able to clean their own rooms, make their own beds and put away their own laundry. Not only will this help you around your home, but it is teaching them responsibility. 


Lamentations 3:27 ~ It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. If you don't teach them to work hard now, they never will.

We must learn as much as we can. I think we can safely assume that the "virtuous woman" was willing to learn more. Sometimes a few questions directed at the right person might help us to do better in certain areas. Do you have questions about cooking, or cleaning? Maybe you want to learn how to sew or plant a garden? Ask someone who knows or read a "how-to" book on the subject. Ask for help. Do what it takes to get your jobs done to the best of your ability. 


I Thessalonians 4:11 ~ And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands....

Do your best with what you have! Be creative! If you don't have a way to make money at home, the least you can do is save money! I've saved hundreds of dollars by making my own laundry detergents, dryer sheets, fabric softeners, dish washing detergents, and plenty of other things. It's so much cheaper and healthier to make your own cleaning supplies! Gardening and canning save me money every year too, as well as making my own bread. There are other things that save money too. I'm looking into raising chickens and bee keeping right now too. I don't really have the money for such things, but I'd sure like to give them a try and I know God will provide them for me if it's His will. 

I Corinthians 4:2 ~ Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

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THANK you Angela. We must indeed prepare ourselves both physically and spiritually for the tasks ahead of us each day. May we each take the time to to seek God about ways to strengthen our bodies and spirits so that we can fully and effectively take care of our families. Please visit Angela at

to read her fun, encouraging posts about being a treasure hidden in Christ.

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Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 

Proverbs 31:10

the series

a price above rubies .7 [guest blogger]

WELCOME to Jill from

Jill's Home Remdies

I asked her if she were willing to choose a verse in Proverbs 31 to expound in a modern way, and she graciously consented to write about verse 16. Jill is a sweet Christian lady who writes...

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Proverbs 31:16 says She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

image source

The Proverbs 31 woman is someone that most of us strive to be.  If you, like me, feel you fall short in some area of this chapter (or even several ways), don't give up!  There is always hope ~ thankfully, God's mercies are new every morning.

This particular verse 16 reminds me of a business woman; she was a homemaker and made her home and family her priority, and yet she made business decisions. The verse above says she "considereth", which means she really thought this important decision through; she was not hasty in her actions.  This decision was also made with her family's best interests in mind.