New Blog for Children

I just want to let everyone know that I have started a new blog. It is especially for children. I know that many children are on the internet and could be blessed by it. The stories are also suitable to be read out loud to children. The blog is Bible Stories for Children  My goal is to tell and post many more Bible Stories to children - I will write as I feel led of the Lord, and I want to be accurate as the Bible tells the stories.  Please share this with parents and children in your life. Please link to the blog for children here:

Bible Stories for Children



God bless you and your children!

Women - young and older

This is a Bible Study based on Titus 2:3-5

Titus 2:3-5

 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

The portion of Scripture that we want to study today speaks to how a woman should conduct herself, and some character traits that God expects of women. The passage first speaks to older women and then follows with clear teaching for young women. As you read this portion from the book of Titus, you may feel like it is old fashioned, maybe it was good for our mothers and you may question if it applies to your life today. May I remind you that God does not change, He is the same yesterday and today and forever, His values do not change with the changing culture and His truth and Word do not change. Therefore we know that this applies to each of us today. So with that in mind, let's take these verses one at a time and see what God is calling us to do.

Verse 3- The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

This verse is speaking to the older women among us.

God is calling older women to live holy lives. This means to be completely dedicated to the Lord in mind, body and soul. Some translations use the word "sacred", so it is my understanding that the Lord would have the older women to demonstrate what it looks like to be completely surrendered to the Lord, in words and in actions. 

The verse goes on with the instructions for older women to not falsely accuse others, to not indulge in wine. God does not want anyone to be enslaved to alcohol or other addictive substances and He is calling on older women to set the example here. Older women are teach others, able to give counsel and answer questions. As we grow older, we have already experienced many life situations, many disappointments have come our way, and we have grown closer to our Lord through these hard times. Therefore we can encourage others who are going through tough times now. God our heavenly Father is faithful, He will never forsake His own, He loves us dearly.

Verse 4- That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
Now in verse 4, the older women are instructed to teach the young women. It begin with the teaching to be sober. An explanation for this word sober is to be sober minded, this would include abstaining from alcohol and other mind altering drug addictions and substances. After all how can one manage a household if one is not clear minded. Young women are to be disciplined in mind and body. One example of this is in how we dress. You are not honoring the Lord Jesus when you expose your breasts with the low cut clothing that is so modern today, or when you wear figure revealing jeans etc.  God is honored when we dress modestly and discreetly and keep ourselves for our husband. It is not right to dress provocatively to be sexy, or to be flirtatious. Your body belongs to the Lord and to your own husband and is not for every man on the planet to gaze upon.

Next we read that the young woman is to love her husband. A good practical definition of love is "you before me, your needs before mine". This is pretty self explanitory. You put your husband and his needs before your own. This does include being a loving and willing partner with your husband in the bedroom. You keep yourself for him alone, he is the one you love, the one God has brought into your life. Do not go outside of your marriage for affirmation or any thing you think you should be getting from your husband but are not. God will fill the gap and meet your needs. You speak well of your husband,you encourage him in the good he does for you and the family. Let him know that you are proud of him and appreciate him. The husband is to be the spiritual leader in the family, God expects the husband to lead the family. The husband must always remember that his wife is a gift to him from the Lord and he needs to show her love and appreciation as a gift from the Lord.
The young woman is to love her children - As mothers we know this to be so true. A young woman will spend countless hours and energy with the children, loving them and meeting so many needs. Many times a mother is so tired from being on duty as mom 24 hours every day, 7 days a week. The needs of the children are never ending and yet being a mom is one of the greatest joys on earth. God will surely bless each mother who so diligently cares for the children that God has given. Each child is a special gift from the Lord above and must always be treated kindly and lovingly and as a true gift.

Verse 5 -To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

To be discreet, chaste - we have already touched on the topic of being discreet and chaste. This certainly does refer to how a woman dresses. As I wrote earlier, God is not honored by low cut revealing and tight clothing. This also refers to good decision making in other areas as well. We should not be extravagant and spend money unnecessarily. It is so very easy to spend more than we should, so we must always be on guard in our spirits to not allow the devil to mess us up in this area. We must be careful what we watch on TV, or the internet and we must be careful what we allow our children to watch. We must be careful of our friendships including those on Facebook and guard against gossip, we must be careful of who are children are spending time with. There is much to be cautious about and we must give ourselves to prayer and the study of the Bible in order to hear the Holy Spirit whisper words of guidance into our hearts throughout the day.

Now we come to "keepers at home" - some translations say " keepers of [their own] houses",  some say "homemakers" or "good housekeepers." The woman's first place is in the home, caring for the family and taking care of the home. These are her main responsibilities. God has created the husband and the wife with roles that compliment each other and that bring blessing and peace to the family unit. We need to trust the Lord to provide the strength needed to carry out the role that He has ordained even if it is not glamorous.

Now we come to the word "good" - this means good and kindhearted, tenderhearted - doing good from within your heart, not because it is expected of you but because in your heart you want to do that which pleases our loving heavenly Father.

Next we come to "obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed" , now you probably have questions! What does this mean? This is written as a protection for the family unit. Someone has to be the person to make the final decision in a matter, and God says it is the husband's job. This does not mean that a woman in under the authority of every man on the planet, only her own husband has authority. This type of authority is not demeaning or like a ruler, or a "do as I say or else type of authority". Not at all!!  This is a loving response on the part of both husband and wife to accomplish that which is in best for the family in the eyes of the Lord. The husband will someday give account before the Lord as to how he has lived and how he has lead the family in the role of lover, provider, spiritual leader, guide and the one who has the final word in the bigger decisions of life. There must be respect and the husband must allow his wife to give input and her perspective in these bigger family life decisions. A man and woman will see things differently and both perspectives are important, so there needs to be good constructive conversations. God wants each of us to live so as to bring glory to His Name. It will build the family life and those around us will be drawn to seek the Lord. 

Link to other Bible Studies from the book of Titus:

Instructions for Older Men


About Deceivers


Teachings from Paul

The Gift of Belonging - in marriage and family life

Jeremiah 31:3
The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

Ephesians 5: 24-26 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

We all have the need to feel that we belong. We have a need to feel accepted in our families, circles of friends, churches and communities. This is true for everyone regardless of age, gender, race or financial status. Young children need to feel loved and accepted by their parents, as teens also do. Even adult children will continue to look for acceptance from their parents. It is important that parents spend much time pouring into the life of their children. No amount of money or extravagant gifts can take the place of quality time spent with your child. Not only are many good memories formed this way but the gift of belonging will be experienced by your children. Read the Bible to your children and pray with them. Take an interest in what is going on in their life and with their friends. Talk with your kids and treat them with respect.

 A wife needs to feel loved, accepted and appreciated by her husband. A husband needs love and acceptance from his wife. I remember when my husband and I were in premarital counselling many years ago, our Pastor pointed out this need of belonging that we have. Perhaps women are even more needy in this area than men. Our Pastor suggested that a husband should show love and appreciation to his wife in public regularly. This includes verbal affirmation of course but also simple things like holding hands with your wife or putting your arm around her in church or in other public settings. By doing this publically and in honesty you are declaring to your wife and everyone around "She is mine and I am proud to be able to call her mine!" This is the gift of belonging. Get to know your wife. God is first, but next is your spouse. Your spouse is a gift from the Lord a your greatest treasure. A wife needs to show love and respect to her husband. This includes listening to him when he talks to you, encouraging him in his line of work, straight up telling him that you admire him and that he is good at different things. This also includes being a willing and loving partner to your husband in bed. This also includes dressing modestly and absolutely no flirting with other men, as well as no bad mouthing your husband in conversation with other women.

 Our need to "belong" is also Spiritual. Knowing that we belong to the Lord Jesus takes a lot of the anxiety and stress out of life. If we have committed our life to the Lord Jesus and have repented of our sin and invited Him as Savior, we can be sure that the eye of the Lord is upon us, loving and caring for us in all of our life circumstances. Nothing can separate us from our Lord. And we have the assurance of eternal life in Heaven when our days are done here on this earth. 

The assurance of belonging to the Lord is of even greater importance than any human friendship or relationship. Belonging to Jesus puts a new joy in our heart that none other can give. The Lord wants to be in relationship with us. He longs for us to be in constant communication with Him. 



1 Peter 3:1-10  Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

Live in the Present...

Psalm 77:11-12 I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember Thy wonders of old.  I will meditate also on all of Thy work, and talk of Thy doings.

Here is a simple thought... "live in the present" -  So since it is a fact that we cannot take back the past and re-live it ( so to speak ) and we cannot live in the future ( it's just not possible ). The past is but memories and the future is a dream .....so living in the present seems to be the only option available really.
What I am saying is that it is important to live life to the full at the stage of life you and I are at right now. If you are a child going to school, don't wish or pretend that you are older - be a kid while you can! If you are dating...enjoy it and save sex for marriage. If you are married, be thankful for your spouse and do your part to make your marriage a happy one! If your kids are grown and it seems your friends are grandparents already, but not you.... that is just fine, don't rush your married kids to give you grandbabies. If you are getting close to retirement age, enjoy your job while you can... the golden years will be here soon enough!
Be contented and enjoy to the full every day that the Lord has given you!

One thing we should all long and wait for though is to be with Jesus in our eternal home. Keep looking up for the soon return of the Lord Jesus. Keep your heart fixed on Jesus and live every day for Him till He calls us home!!
 Titus 2:13  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ

Parenting Tips from Church - Mother's Day

Sunday Sermon Review - May 12, 2013

( from my home church I attend regularly )

This Sunday was Mother's Day. As part of our Mother's Day celebration, our church had two couples share some of their parenting experiences - what works in their home. So I cannot do a "sermon review" this week but I will share a little bit of what was said.

Couple A

- were parents of adult children, have two grandchildren

- family is important

- keep God at the center of your marriage, showing love and respect to each other

- God works in the lives of our children in the midst of our failures as parents

- keep the relationship with your children growing through the years

- suggested to do Sunday lunches together

- be open about sharing your faith with your children

- be diligent to tell your children they are significant to you and to God

- be discerning as to the time and place that you share your thoughts ( teachings ) with your children

- encourage them, being careful to not say too much at the wrong time

- make time for your children

- as a Mom, try hard to be there for your children, and pray for them

- Dads can teach values while doing work projects with the kids

- do fun things together

- parents need time away alone

- babysit your grandkids so your married kids can get away alone for a time

- be interested in your children's lives, their work and their home life

- PRAY - satan wants to destroy our families

- God is the One who brings healing and restoration where hurts have occured

1 Corinthians 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

Couple B
( parents of married kids with grandchildren )

*prayer 

- important to not be a "control freak" , let go

- prayer intensifies in hard times and long periods of illness

* respect and trust

- when you catch yourself thinking " I wish my children would listen to me" then remember that God is thinking those very same thoughts about you

*gratitude 

- show gratitude even for small things

* be flexible

- your kids need you so change your schedule to meet their needs

* character

- develop good character in your children by including them in family responsibilities

* dates with spouse

- never stop dating your spouse and when you are on your dates make a point to not talk about the children or finances

* Allow your children to make decisions, make mistakes and face the consequences.

- this helps them to learn to think things through before making a decision in the future

* forgiveness

- ask your kids for forgiveness when you have messed up

James 1:4 

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Momma's Rules ( from Our Daily Bread )

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

As I was reading the devotional in the Our Daily Bread booklet I thought it was one that I should share with everyone who reads my blog. We are reminded that the the truths of the Bible are for our good. We need to read, listen and obey!

This article is written by Bill Crowder.

I met a delightful woman named “Momma Charlie,” who has raised a dozen or so foster kids. These youngsters were assigned to her by the courts, and she gave them a home with stability, guidance, and love. She told me that every time a new child arrived, the first order of business was to explain “Momma’s Rules.” These included behavioral standards, plus chores that would provide much-needed help in the busy household while teaching accountability to kids with little previous training.

Some of the children may have balked at “Momma’s Rules,” thinking they were robbing them of fun or pleasure—yet nothing would be further from the truth. Those standards allowed for an orderly household where both Momma and the children could find life enjoyable and peaceful.

Similarly, some look at the standards God set forth in the Bible as obstacles that prevent us from enjoying life. However, the boundaries God places actually protect us from our worst inclinations and foster healthy responses to Him.

In Ephesians 4, for example, Paul provides some guidance for how we are to live. As we live by these and other loving instructions from God, we find protection and the opportunity for true, lasting joy.

Father, thank You for the boundaries of life that
protect us from sin and from ourselves. Give us
the wisdom and grace to respond gratefully to
Your Word in areas of danger and temptation.

God’s Word is the compass that keeps us on course.

Ephesians 4:17-32¹⁷ This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,¹⁸ Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:¹⁹ Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.²⁰ But ye have not so learned Christ;²¹ If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:²² That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;²³ And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;²⁴ And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.²⁵ Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.²⁶ Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:²⁷ Neither give place to the devil.²⁸ Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.²⁹ Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.³⁰ And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.³¹ Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:³² And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

International Down Syndrome Day

Psalm 139:15-16  My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret,And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.

Today is March 21 - International Down Syndrome Day. As a mom of a child who has Down Syndrome, I feel it is important to share my story today.
It was the year 1998 when my husband and I learned that our lives were about to change forever.

After what seemed to be a normal pregnancy, we had no idea what was about to take place.  Our baby was born in the local hospital here and it wasn't until she was unable to feed that we were made aware that something was horribly wrong. After several hours the doctor came in to the room and informed us that our baby in fact has down syndrome and was seriously sick and would need to be rushed to Winnipeg by ambulance. I don't remember a whole lot from that day but I remember asking my husband - So what do we do now? to which he wisely responded " What would Jesus do?" I knew the answer to that. Jesus loves and cares for us. So I too will love and care her come what may!  There were many questions in those early days. My doctor here at our local hospital encouraged me - helping me to see that God saw me fit to care for his precious little girl and has gifted her to me for this short time we all have here on earth. My experience in the hospital in Winnipeg had both positive and negative interaction. One particular nurse shared with me her feelings about children with Down Syndrome. She suggested that every family would benefit from having a special needs child in their home. There are so many valuable lessons that we learn - We really learn to love. But I also remember one particular doctor in Winnipeg speaking to me about my daughter's condition and the way he spoke puzzled me. He kept implying that we should and would be giving her up to adoption. There was no way that I was going to give her up for adoption. So I had to tell him very plainly "We are keeping her". That changed the conversation. I could not imagine a doctor suggesting to me that I should give up my child. There had never been a question in our minds whether we would keep her. My husband and I knew that God had planned this special baby for us, that he wanted us to love her and raise her and that really she is God's little girl. She is a gift to us for this short time on earth.

I am happy to say that our daughter has brought  much joy and blessing into our lives as well as into the lives of friends, family and of those at school and church. God is at work in all of our lives and He has a plan for each of our lives and He can use every one of us regardless of our handicaps to bring blessing and hope to those around us. God has taught me many lessons by giving me the gift of our daughter. 
Here are a few of the lessons that I have learned:

1)  Love your child for who he or she is without comparing them to others.

2) It's not all about the life that we live here. This short little time that we have here on earth is so small compared to eternity to come that it is so important to keep our eyes on Jesus and our eternal home with Him there.

3) Be thankful for what we have rather than focus on the "not going to happen sort of things".

4) Expectations and goals set up for my child by others is not necessarily what is best for her or what she needs. I need to stand my ground and stick up for her making sure the others keep her best in mind also.

5) In Heaven she will not have a disability - she will be free to express her love to Jesus without the limitations of now. 

6)  God made her exactly who He wanted her to be.  She is equal to every one else in His eyes - fearfully and wonderfully made.

7) Stand up and speak up for those who cannot stand or speak for themselves.

8) All human life is equal and valuable and no baby should be aborted. God is the giver of life and it is in His hands to determine how many days or years He gives us here on earth.


I love you my precious little girl!

The Clock my Mother Gave to me.....

For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

My Chime Clock

Time is ticking away...
This chime clock pictured here was given to me by my mother this past Christmas. Each of my five sisters also received a clock just like it. It is a beautiful gift which I will treasure for many years to come.  My mother is currently 85 years old and so this clock is a gift that means a lot to me and whenever I look at it, it is a reminder to me of my precious mother.
In its own sort of way, a clock tells a story. It reminds us of the lives we have lived as well as how fleeting time really is. For those of you who read my blog regularly, you will know that I recently turned 50. Much of my life is behind me and Lord willing, I have much life to look forward to yet here on this earth, and then eternal life awaits me with our Lord Jesus in heaven. We have seen our babies boys grow up to be fine young men and our baby daughter has grown up quickly also and has become a beauiful young gal, and I am reminded of my child who has already gone to be with the Lord.  So many memories to cherish.
In the book of Ecclesiates we find a very insightful passage on "time".
Please take the time to read these verses from the book of Ecclesiastes.
Ecclestiastes 3:1-11
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 
 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
  A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
 What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?
  I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.
He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

Tragedy in Newtown - sharing in the grief in death of many innocent...

Matthew 19: 13-15 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them.   But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”  And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.

Today we are grieving the death of twenty seven human lives lost in that senseless shooting in Newtown. We ask how could anyone commit such a horrific crime? What is this world coming to with all these kinds of things happening almost on a regular basis? What can or should be done? These are the questions everyone is asking and I can tell you I do not have the answers. But I can tell you that my heart is grieved and broken for these precious children and adults who died completely in innocence and I have shed many tears as I have watched the news on television. The tears and the grief of this tragedy ripple around the globe. It may surprise you to know that this morning even in my children's school here in Manitoba Canada, right after the singing of our national anthem, we held a time of silence and remembrance for the victims in Newtown. Our thoughts and prayers are with our all American friends as we are all stricken with grief.
Jesus loves children and he took special time for them during his ministry here on earth. When the disciples rebuked those who would bring their children to Him, Jesus said " “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” 
So we can be sure the everyone of these precious little children are now in heaven with Jesus in perfect happiness in the presence of God Himself.  So while our hearts are broken here on earth, the children are safe in the arms of Jesus. That is a real comfort.
There is one other thought that keeps coming to my mind and that is the fact that these deaths in Newtown are getting much publicity and public grief and it is absolutely 100% the right thing - no question about it at all.  BUT- is there anyone out there who will mourn and grieve the lost lives of the babies killed by abortion. Each one of the babies who have been killed through abortion all have experienced death. - They also will never be able to celebrate a birthday with their friends, have Christmas or birthday parties, graduate, find love and get married, experience the joys of having a baby etc. Who will grieve for these children? Who will mourn for these children? Who will stand up and say - "enough is enough" the abortions must stop NOW!
As we pray for comfort for those grieving in Newtown, please lets also not forget the unborn babies murdered everyday. May God have mercy on us and help us.
Genesis 4: 9-11  Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?”
He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”
 And He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground.   So now you are cursed from the earth, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand.
 

A Child in His Eyes...the value of every human life!

Psalm 139: 13-17  - ( Beautiful words)

For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.

How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!

Did you know that when the Bible speaks of the unborn babies, it is referred to and called a "child"? Many people today try to deny the fact that the life of a baby begins at conception. But if we believe that God has  authority in our lives and believe that the Bible is the book God wrote, then our thoughts, beliefs and actions will match up with what God says.
Ecclesiastes 11: 5 As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.

In this post I want to first give four examples straight out of the Bible where it describes the account of the unborn baby being called a child, and secondly I want to discuss the value of human life.

Part I

1) The Angel Speaks -- In the story of Hagar, an angel comforts her with these words - Genesis 16: 11 And the angel of the Lord said unto her, Behold, thou art with child and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the Lord hath heard thy affliction. - Here we see the angel referring to the unborn baby as a child.
2)  Bathsheba Speaks -- When King David commited adultery with Bathsheba, she sent word to David to inform him of her pregnancy and this is the account of it in 2 Sammuel 11: 4-5 And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house. And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child. Here we see that very early in the pregancy the baby is referred to as a child.
3) Matthew Speaks -- And in the New Testament in Matthew 1: 18 we read -  Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Here again the unborn baby Jesus is referred to as a child.
4) Elizabeth Speaks -- Another example we can look at is where Mary visits Elizabeth who is pregnant and will soon give birth to John the Baptist. It is recorded in Luke 1. In verses 43 and 44 Elizabeth exclaims -  And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Notice how Mary is referred to as mother at this point already ( meaning that she has a child that being the unborn baby Jesus) and that Elizabeth's baby ( John the Baptist ) leaps in her womb for joy.
It is very clear here that the unborn  is not just a mass of tissue or something that a woman should have the right to rid herself of. No,  it is a human life created by God himself. The unborn are real babies and actual children. Life begins at conception. It is murder for a woman to rid herself of the baby that is growing within the safety of her womb.

Part II

The second major point that we need to consider is the sanctity of the human life. All human life is sacred because we are all created in the image of God. God made it so and He has the final word on the matter.
Genesis 1:27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
 God commands that we protect and defend innocent human life from the very point of conception and to the very end of life. God promises His care for us in this way in Isaiah 46: “Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, And all the remnant of the house of Israel, Who have been upheld by Me from birth, Who have been carried from the womb: Even to your old age, I am He, And even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you.
As believers we are to protect and care for all people, the healthy, the sick, the elderly, young people,babies and children, the unborn babies,  the poor, every color and race, everyone is included and no one is excluded. The value of a human life does not depend on a person's abilities to function but it is based on the fact that we are created in the image of God. Our care and compassion must reach to each person in every stage of of development and life.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, Thank-you for the gift of life. Thank-you for creating us in your image.  I ask Thee to deal with those who kill the little ones. Help them to see the error of their way and turn from it. We belong to You. I ask Thee Father to protect the lives of the unborn who are at risk, protect the lives of all the children and the sick, the elderly and those who are abused or  disabled in any way. Be near to each one of them and help them to feel Your love and Your nearness. In Heaven we will all be safe with You and for that I thank You. In Jesus Name Amen

You may also be interested in reading the post I wrote some time ago where I shared about the death and miscarriage of my unborn child - link here: http://sharingthefaith-northernsparrow.blogspot.ca/2012/04/baby-darcy.html

Snippets from my Fridge - Family Rules and Discipline

Proverbs 6: 20-22 My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.  When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.



Snippets from my fridge

I like to put pictures, little notes and reminders on my refrigerator door - maybe you do too. As I think back over the last ten or fifteen years, there have been many little snippets on my fridge. Among other things, I like to keep a few pictures of family as well as some reminder type notes to myself to help me to focus on the Lord and His purposes for me. I'd like to share a few snippets from my fridge here in this post regarding family life and discipline of children.
When our children were younger, I kept a "Family Rules" guide posted on the fridge. These were the family rules that I had posted :
1) Love one another
2) Say nice things or say nothing at all
3) No hurting anyone ever for any reason.
4) Respect each other
5) Delayed obedience is disobedience.
6) Everything you do should indicate that you are a kind and loving person.
7) Choose to be joyful

Proverbs 22:6  Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Discipline
Now as any parent can testify, the rules were not always kept but they were there set out as a constant guideline of expectations. I was told the most effective way of disciplining a child was to use this method -
Say the child's name, make eye contact, give your instruction to your child in a normal tone of voice, and only one time. The child will learn that you are serious and discipline will follow if he or she  is disobedient. Disciplining your child is hard. But there are a few points that I tried to remind myself of:
A) Am I disciplining in anger or in love - it should be in love
B) By disciplining my child in this way, am I teaching him or am I just punishing him - the goal is to teach.
C) Explain why the behavior the child has just displayed is an unacceptable - stay at this point of  talk till the child understands no matter how long it takes.
D) Carry through with the disicipline you promised would happen.

Watch my blog for more upcoming posts on snippets from my fridge link here http://sharingthefaith-northernsparrow.blogspot.ca/2012/10/faith-building-snippets-from-my-fridge.html

A Veggie Tales Fan!!

Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
 We are Veggie Tales fans! What is Veggie Tales you ask? Veggie Tales products are geared for children to teach them valuable lessons while having fun at the same time. Books, toys, DVDs and videos. Many of the DVDs  tell Bible stories and others just teach valuable lessons. Over the years as our boys were growing up, they have enjoyed many of the Veggie Tales videos and DVDs. I have even heard many parents say that they themselves find these movies quite entertaining. As I have written before, our daughter has down syndrome and therefore learning comes harder for her. But Veggie Tales helps her to better understand the Bible stories and life lessons. She just loves every single one of the movies Veggie Tales puts out. I am always on the lookout for the next DVD to come out. Soon to be released is one titled -  The Penniless Princess which I hope to get for my daughter shortly.
So just to give you an idea of what I am talking about I took a picture of some of my daughter's Veggie Tales treasures.

The stories are played out by many veggie characters - Larry the Cucumber, Bob the Tomato, Junior Asparagus, Laura the Carrot, Mr Nezzar etc. If you have never seen any of the movies I would highly recommend it especially for children under 14.
Some of the Bible stories are Esther - the girl who became Queen, Josh and the Big wall which is the story of Joshua defeating Jericho, the story of the fiery furnace in Rack, Shack and Benny, the stories of Gideon, Moses,  also a couple tell the stories of King David and the stories of Christmas and Easter. These movies can in no way replace the direct Bible teaching that we as parents are called to do with our children. And of course it is also advisable to discuss the content of a movie with your children before and after having viewed it.
So what is my personal favorite? It has got to be Princess and the Popstar. It is not one of the Bible story ones ( though I like them a lot also).  I like this one because it teaches little girls that the famous life is not really a fun life at all. So many children want to grow up to be like Hannah Montana etc and they idolize these celebrities. This Veggie Tales DVD teaches children the truth about the awful celebrity life and the joys of the simple life and  having a family who loves you. In the story a girl named Princess Poppyseed lives on the farm with her parents and many siblings. She wishes she could be famous like Vanna Banana - her favorite child pop singer. She has all Vanna Banana's posters and music and one day by chance, Princess meets Vanna Banana on the playground. Vanna is in town to give a concert. Vanna Banana longs for the simple life of family having seen  Little House on the Prairie on TV. Vanna dreams of having brothers and sisters and a pony etc. but all her life consists of is practicing for her next music show and performing in front of millions of people (people who do not know her and she does not know them). So when Vanna and Princess begin to talk on the playground, they discover they look almost exactly alike and they each have what the other wishes they had and they decide to switch places. So Vanna Banana experiences the ordinary farm life with a loving family and Princess experiences life as a famous person - dressing in rich clothes and singing in front of a huge crowd. Each girl realizes that the life she was longing for does not fulfill her dreams, and the story of course ends in a happy way.
So if you've never watched one of these DVDs with the children in your life, may I suggest  you do - you would have fun and it would make their day if you did!

Great in God's Kingdom...

Sunday Sermon Review - September 9, 2012 ( this is the sermon review from my home church that I attend regularly)
Becoming Great in God's Kingdom
 The service began with the singing of several songs but the two favorites of mine were "Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" and "Be Thou My Vision".
This was followed by a testimony by a young man who worked at the Pembina Valley Bible Camp and also at Midway Bible camp this summer. He shared stories of children coming to salvation in Christ Jesus and others growing in their faith at camp but also how satan and evil spirits attack children and bind their hearts in fear. Please pray for the children who come to these camps.

The sermon today was based on Matthew 18: 1-14 which is posted at the bottom here.
Pastor Ben spoke on the topic of becoming great and how God's idea of greatness is very different from what most people consider greatness.
Here is some of what Pastor Ben said:
God wants us to be great. ( God's idea of greatness)
Children dream of becoming famous and great. Little boys dream of playing in the NHL, little girls dream of being a princess.
Philippians 3:14 says I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
God wants us to live lives of greatness - not mediocre
Our understanding of greatness doesn't measure up with God's directive on this.
God says we are to become like little children.
Acknowlege that we are needy. Revelation 3:15-17  I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Children are dependent on their parents. Pastor Ben gave the example of a baby who is helpless and without care, a baby will die. In the same way we need to become that dependent on God.
Our greatness comes from our great dependence on God.
We should not seek for status, recognition or position to serve God. Pastors and other leaders serve openly but many people serve God behind the scenes and receive no public recognition whatsoever. No one knows the ones who quietly pray in secret for people in and out of the church.
Greatness in God's eyes is a heart attitude. It is a passion for the "little ones". Pastor Ben said this includes children but is not limited to children. It also includes those suffering and those weak in the faith.
Make sure you take no part in causing "another to stumble".
God's anger and wrath are on those who mess with the "little ones" - those who cause the "little ones" to sin or to stumble.
Pastor Ben went on to say that statisically 80% of young people stop coming to church after their parents stop forcing them to go. He suggested in our church it is probably more likely 50%. Pastor Ben asked the question Why do the young people leave the church?? My note: If anyone reading this has any ideas as to why, please leave your thoughts in the comment section. I would be interested to know - why do the young people you know not want to go to church??
God's passion is to seek out the "little ones".
Pastor Ben stressed the importance on not withdrawing or refusing to get involved due to the fear one might have of "offending one of the little ones".
Church cannot replace what is the parent's responsibility in the home. Teach your children and pray with them and for them.
The closing song was "I'll Stand".

Matthew 18: 1-14
At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
² And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
³ And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
⁵ And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
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.
⁷ Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
⁸ Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
⁹ And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
¹⁰ Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
¹¹ For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
¹² How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?
¹³ And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.
¹⁴ Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

Happy Birthday Sweetie!

Today is your birthday Sweetie! Happy Birthday to you! You've grown up so fast. I can hardly believe that you are already going into grade 8 at school. 

Some of your favorite things include: pizza, hamburgers at McDonald's,  chocolate cake, birthday parties, watching Veggie Tales, going to church, playing with your cat Binky, school, your friend Shelly, playing with bubbles, playing outside with home golf and basketball, going on trailer rides in summer and snowmobile rides in winter with family, the songs "When the Roll is Called Up Yonder", and "Trading my Sorrows" and many other praise songs.
I love you Sweetie, We belong to Jesus! God Bless you!
love from Mom

Gender Selective Abortions......

Genesis 4:9-11
And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?
¹⁰ And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.
¹¹ And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand;


This morning I was listening to the radio as I usually do as part of my morning routine. The discussion involved gender selective abortions. I was utterly disgusted to learn that this practice is going on within Manitoba's health care system. The question they were asking is whether gender selective abortions is founded in a  prejudice against a particular gender whether female or male. It's horrific to imagine that a couple would go for an ultrasound for the purpose of identifying whether their baby is boy or girl, then choose to have it aborted if it is not what they wanted. Seriously, we are not shopping for clothing or a car here, we are talking about a human life created by God Himself. We are talking about a human being's life, a life that is equally as precious as the lives of the  parents who are making these horrible decisions.  I think it is time that people realize there is a God up in Heaven and that each of us will give an account to Him for the things we have done on this earth in our lifetimes.  Abortion is the killing of a child and therefore it is murder and that is how God sees it. As the opening verses that I posted - the blood of the murdered victims cries out to God.

Romans 14:11-12
¹¹ For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
 ¹² So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God

  The discussion on the radio went on to the abortion of most babies with down syndrome. Parents are encourage by their doctors to have an ultrasound to check the health of the baby. If down syndrome is detected, then abortion is recommended. This also is a horrific tragedy. God creates each human life with loving care and there is no doctor or health practioner that has the authority to recommend killing innocent children.  How can we as a nation survive if we mess with the authority of God like this? God sees and knows what is going on and such as this grieves His heart. God is God and we as people are not God, neither in a position to pretend that we are.

Psalm 127:3  Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

I remember when my baby was born with down syndrome. You can read about this in the archives section of this blog. Our baby was born in the local hospital here but was rushed to Winnipeg by ambulance when it was determined that she was seriously ill. So I spent sometime in the hospital in Winnipeg as well. I remember one particular doctor in Winnipeg speaking to me about my daughter's condition and the way he spoke puzzled me. He kept implying that we would be giving her up to adoption. There was no way that I was going to give her up for adoption. So I had to tell him very plainly "We are keeping her". That changed the conversation. I could not imagine a doctor suggesting to me that I should give up my child. There had never been a question in our minds whether we would keep her.  My husband and I knew that God had planned this special baby for us, that he wanted us to love her and raise her and that really she is God's little girl. She is a gift to us for this short time on earth.

Jesus loves all children and we can plainly see that in the following verses:

Luke 18: 15-17
¹⁵ And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
¹⁶ But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
¹⁷ Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter there

So if anyone out there is considering having abortion - Please please do not give your child to be put to death.
Not for gender selection nor for a birth or growth abnormality. It is just not right to abort the baby. God will give you the strength to care for every one of the children that he gives to you - only trust Him to do so!