2014 - January Challenge

Let the 365 Day Challenge begin!

I can't seem to get a 'picture' of the Legacy reading program to insert - so if you're interested you'll have to click on the link!

I was going to modify the 52 Weeks Program to fit the Legacy, but after starting to work on January, realized it wouldn't be a simple copy and paste - there had to be tweaking!  I've gotten the first month done - whew!  Below is the initial plan - I've listed out each chapter, which allows me to 'cross off' more (or less) as I go along.

The Proverbs column represents not only the book to be read, but the day as well, e.g. 1 equals the 1st of January as well as Proverbs 1.

I've placed the weekly Psalms readings on Sunday.  I'm not sure if I'll post each day (most likely NOT) or weekly (maybe).  I would be interested in hearing if anyone else is reading through and if so, what system or program you're using.

May the Lord bless each of us as we strive to become more intimate with Him.

Lavender Essential Oil

Several weeks ago I was having dizziness - self diagnosed as inner ear trouble - sinus issues.  Text message to several requesting which essential oil would be best for sinus issues resulted in a variety of oils suggested with Lavender Oil taking the lead.
Thus far I've used it as hand lotion, facial moisturizer, sore muscle relaxant and in the bath.  As a lotion/moisturizer I combined Organic Coconut Oil (about half an ounce) and 3 drops of Lavender Oil.  In the bath, I believe I used 5 drops, along with Epson Salts.
Here are some links with more information for those who may want to read up, research or share.

Health Benefits of Lavender Oil

Benefits of Lavender Oil

13 Uses for Lavender Oil: The Only Essential Oil You'll Need

50 Fantastic Uses for Lavender Essential Oil and Lavender Therapy

And from the WebMD site:

Lavender is used for restlessness, insomnia, nervousness, and depression. It is also used for a variety of digestive complaints including meteorism (abdominal swelling from gas in the intestinal or peritoneal cavity), loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, intestinal gas (flatulence), and upset stomach.

Some people use lavender for painful conditions including migraine headaches,toothaches, sprains, nerve pain, sores, and joint pain. It is also used for acne and cancer, and to promote menstruation.

Lavender is applied to the skin for hair loss (alopecia areata) and pain, and to repel mosquitoes and other insects.

Some people add lavender to bathwater to treat circulation disorders and improve mental well being.

By inhalation, lavender is used as aromatherapy for insomnia, pain, and agitation related to dementia.

In foods and beverages, lavender is used as a flavor component. (Note it is important to make sure you have FOOD GRADE for internal usage.)

In manufacturing, lavender is used in pharmaceutical products and as a fragrance ingredient in soaps, cosmetics, perfumes, potpourri, and decorations.

Lavender (scientific name Lavandula angustifolia) is commonly contaminated with related species, including Lavandula hybrida, which is a cross between Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia, from which lavandin oil is obtained.

365 Day Challenge

People like a challenge - do I measure up?  Can I pass muster?  Can we?  Do we?  God's gauntlet:

2Ti 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

I did a post last year exhorting us to Read Through the Bible and I'm finishing up 52 Weeks for this year.

I've been perusing Ligonier's list from last year, and decided to go the Legacy route this upcoming year.

I like the idea of reading Proverbs daily, it causes me to reflect back and remember how my children and I read the Proverbs daily.  I'll post later once I have 'my' plan in place for the daily reading.

The question for you (and me) - we eat physically every day - there isn't often we pass up food, so how diligent are we to ourselves (and to exhort and encourage one another) to partake of the eternal food?  To nourish and feast ourselves upon manna from heaven?

If you are already 'challenged' - is there someone you can challenge?

I'm hoping to post as I read through this year - I'd appreciate prayer for my diligence in reading and sharing (if the Lord leads) and also, I'd like to 'hear' from you!  Which plan are you using? What nuggets of eternal gold have you gleaned in your readings?

Back In The Saddle

Well, perhaps not saddle, but keyboard?  LOL!  My computer video card was in the throes of death.  Alas and alack it was not a separate item but integrated into the motherboard!  *sigh*  Which meant either an expensive repair...or replacement.

I don't make those types of decisions quickly - and had to research further prior to making a purchase.  Stick with Windows 7 (and ironically pay more) or go with Windows 8, with the repeated admonitions from people about DON'T BUY WINDOWS 8!

Fortunately I was able to view another laptop with windows 8, touch it hold, it, push buttons, etc. Researched online - the holiday sales began...found one (with 8) that seemed to fit the bill.  I'm still trying to figure out the bells and whistles....not to mention the touch screen application (with no touch screen - too expensive for what I wanted processor wise).  I'm still trying to figure out from all the pop up adverts (which Microsoft seems to be 'partnered') are actually legit and keep.  *sigh*

I am at least able to get online, get mail, blog a post, or is that post a blog :-) - Now if I could get the printer to communicate with the computer...and oh yeah, get the usb mouse and keyboard hooked up.  Technology is advancing upon me!

Hopefully, I will be a little more consistent with my posts...have had lots of thoughts running to and fro, one in particular which I hope will be an encouragement, and inducement, for me (and others) to spend more time in His Word.

Covet prayers from the saints - His blessings to the household of faith!

Kastle - Outside

This house project (not yet quite done) has taken almost a year - I'd have never thought it possible.  I had really been down about the house and it literally falling apart! I'd hoped to do something one day...when, if, etc.  Then a close family friend stepped in and assisted with getting the roof replaced and that lit a fire. Getting the roof done was the catalyst for the whole house, inside and out.  I started on the inside, praying about the siding.  Then an offer came in the mail.  

I had the big name company come by and give me a quote on the siding - they'd offered 2 years same as cash - and when the sales person came out they were more interested in selling the company than the work - and wanted me to pay dearly for it too!  Their lowest figure put me in tears.

Fortunately my oldest son had begun working with several contractors and was learning how to do a myriad of home repairs.  He's now in business for himself (A360 Repair) and obviously does a stellar job!

Here are a few shots prior to the outside renovation:

This is in the front - a shot through the spindles.

This is what the deck looked like prior.

Another view in the front.

 One end side of the house.

 Backside - notice the steps outside the back door.

One more shot of the back before the work began.

The other end of the house - it was in bad shape.

And the last lap around the house for another front shot.

One more full shot of the deck. Notice the dangling porch light.

First, let me say, I did NONE of this work!  My oldest son, his wife and her family came to my house and worked - almost non-stop!  We were blessed with men from our church who came and helped one day - ALL DAY LONG!  They helped tear down the rest of the skirting, level out the ground, dig a trench to put in a cement footer, place 2x4s in place to hold the Durock, help hang the insulation and begin the siding installation.

I ought to have taken more in between pictures, but didn't!

This is the south end - notice the ramp 'peeking' out to the right.

Around back - remember the steps?  Steps to the right, easy access to my NEW clothesline! and ramp to the left.

The backside of the house - clothesline arms awaiting a new line.  Durock skirting almost done! 

 Front of the house.

A better view of the ramp!

Completed backside.

And...I forgot to get a picture of our church men who helped - but here's a shot of my daughter-in-love, son and her family.  Even the little people worked!  The Brodock family is Teaching Good Things (literally!)  I am extremely blessed by these folks.  God has been extremely good to all of us!

I'll have the rest of the photos from the inside up later...dining room, living room, 2nd bedroom, master and then finally the master bathroom!  Slowly its coming together.  Now to save up for the a/c and heat unit!

A Little Dress Up

A little dress up...I've pondered upon that title for a bit.  When I think (or hear) that phrase it throws me back to my childhood...those idyllic days which the haze of years softens and makes poignant.  I think about my grandmother and the shoes and clothes which she allowed me to use to play dress up.

I began percolating on the idea for this blog a few weeks back...someone asked me about attending an event which would be on October 31st - and dressing up.  "Don't you want to let your counter-self come out?"

Counter self?  Or alternate?  Or pretend to be someone I'm not?  I'm having a hard enough time trying to be Christ like!

I've posted in the past about the paganism of halloween - I could list a plethora of sites which are either for or against or, God help us, complacent about the issue.  However, as I researched, I believe the Lord took me in this direction.  To challenge myself and others about how much we are (or sadly, are not) reflecting Him to a lost and dying world.

The real question becomes, as Christians, and as those who are seeking to set an example of Christ, to follow in the footsteps of the disciples, are we giving a proper example of Him?

Some try to pooh-pooh the 'wickedness' of the day/night, stating we are to 'claim' or 'reclaim' and 'Christianize' and use every opportunity to present the gospel.

I agree with using every opportunity to present the gospel, calling people to repentance and belief in the Lord; however, looking like, mimicking the world to 'win' souls isn't what the early church folks did...they were set apart.  They were, are you ready?  Persecuted for being different.

Not just persecuted (you know, loose your family, home, work, etc.), but they gave their lives for the sake of the Gospel.  They didn't join in on the pagan holy days, they were set apart.  If they had participated previously, they renounced and repented and forsook their previous ways.

So...how different does the 'church' look today?  The bride is hosting trick or trunk days, dress up as your favorite Bible character, have a fall festival.  We aren't being very set apart or different.

We all are works in progress and God works dross out at different levels, speeds in each vessel He's chosen...the question becomes, are we truly seeking to reflect Him?  To pray about what we're doing?  Whether or not our actions, behavior, words, etc. really represent Him?

Or are we rather, white washing practices, behavior, etc. in an attempt to make ourselves 'feel' better so we can participate?  Does the 'world' really see much difference in us?  How salty are we?

As a note...pagans, and yes there really are folks out there who claim 'pagan' as their religion (the military now recognizes halloween as a 'holy day' for them), not to mention witches, etc. which claim 10/31 as a high holy day.  There is a lot, and I mean a LOT of wickedness which is perpetrated during those 'special days.'

I exhort you brethren, search out the Scriptures, test, check and see if He has given you liberty to look like the world, to masquerade about during particular times of the year looking no different from those who are lost and dying.

Lord, open our eyes and ears to see and hear where we compromise with the world, the times and places, where we, in an attempt to gratify our flesh (or others) capitulate and join in.  Lord, you've called us to be set apart and holy unto You...chosen vessels, fit for heaven.  O' Lord, cleanse us, Your bride, help us to turn from our complacency, our willful disobedience, our lazy ignorance of You and Your Word.  Cleanse us O Lord, help us to be Your light set on a hill, reflecting You in truth, honesty and integrity in every area of our lives.

Crash and Burn

This morning:  The thought which ran through my mind, "Lord, I 'feel' like I am crashing and burning in my relationship with you.  I 'feel' like I've lost my first love."

I had received a new issue of Leben magazine and while reading the article on Robinson Crusoe, (with a look at the author Daniel Defoe) came across this:

"In time, a pattern of spiritual progress or decline thought to be common to all Christians became the template (talking about autobiographies). That template organized a man's spiritual life along these lines:

1. The work of God's providence in the man's life before he came to Christ.

2. The steps by which God's providence prepared the man for conversion.

3. The time and manner of the man's conversion and the things that immediately followed.

4. The predictable, but sad and long spiritual decline that would follow.

5. The man's recovery from that decline and the renewal of his commitment to Christ.

6. An account of some of the things that followed in the next few years.

7. A description of the man's current spiritual condition with accompanying observations and thanksgivings."

Where am I on that scale?  Number 4 'jumped' out at me.  The really sad thing?  I've been here before.  Is this process circular?  I feel dry, parched, distant.  I know God didn't move.  He's right where He's always been.  Its me...what's wrong with me?  Why do I have these ebbs and flows in my relationship with Him?

I do not believe in coincidence, rather divine appointments.  This video came up in my inbox:

This is War, Paul Washer

What's he saying right out the gate?  One great love, to love the Lord our God with all our spirit, soul, strength and mind.

Mar_12:30  And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 

Next exhortation - one great passion and he quotes:

Mat 6:33  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

While he is evidently speaking to men, these admonitions are applicable to all, regardless of gender, age, marital status, etc.

How often do I keep these words before me?  Really meditate upon them?  Do them?

Separation from that which displeases God - do I even inquire as to what will please and glorify Him?

Next?  A great commission - Go Tell.  Fight for the faith.  How equipped am I?  If I were in a battle (and we all are, all the time) what would I have to defend/offend?  I'm feeling pretty bare in the weapons department right now.  Where is my passion for knowing Him, for reading His word, for studying Him?  O' Lord, renew me, give me a passion for You, Your Word, Your righteousness.  Cleanse me, wash me fresh, renew a right spirit within me.

Help me Lord to love You, to desire You, to thirst after You.  Let this be my cry:

Psa_42:1  As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

Homemade Dishwasher Soap

I haven't made dishwasher soap in a while - I seem to remember NOT having good success, but may try one of these in the future.

From Towards Sustaintability

Homemade Dishwasher Powder and Dishwashing Liquid

I thought I would share two more home made kitchen recipes that I made yesterday...

Dishwasher Powder
1 cup Borax
1 cup bi-carbonate soda (baking soda NOT baking powder)
1/4 cup salt
1/4 cup citric acid
30 drops citrus essential oil (I used lemon)

Mix thoroughly and store in an airtight plastic container. Use 1 tablespoon at a time.

I tried out the dishwasher powder this morning, and it cleaned everything really well - no greasy spots - and didn't leave a residue on anything. I worked out the cost as as approximately $4.61 per kilo. The environmentally-friendly EcoStore powder I was using costs $15.90 for a kilo, and you use the same amount per wash, so there's a big saving there! Plus I now use plain white vinegar as a rinse aid, instead of the commercial stuff, so I am saving lots of money now.

*Update 1* This powder tends to clump over time in storage. I get around this by giving the container (an old EcoStore powder bottle) a really good shake each time I use it, to break up the clumps, otherwise it will set hard over the course of a few weeks.

**Update 2** I no longer use Borax in the mixture, I just leave it out, and it works equally as well as it did before.

From Tipnut - visit the website for options and comments incorporated into the article from readers, especially if you're having trouble with cloudy residue.

Powder #1:

1 cup Washing Soda
1 cup Borax

Powder #2:

1 cup Baking Soda
1 cup Borax

For the above two mixes:

Blend thoroughly and store in a plastic container, use approximately 2 TBS per load.
Use vinegar in the rinse compartment as a rinse agent to help prevent residue.
Try adding 2-3 drops essential oil.

Powder #3:

1/4 cup Washing Soda
1 TBS Liquid Dish Soap

Use the above for each load you run.

Liquid:

1 part baking soda
1 part borax
1 part water
1 drop lemon or orange essential oil per cup of detergent
Mix the ingredients thoroughly and store in a sealable jug.
Use 2 to 3 TBS per load.

If you’re having a cloudy residue problem:

Try adding a few drops of liquid dishsoap to the powder compartment when you add the powder (just 2 or 3 drops will do).

You could also try cutting back on the amount used (ie. if you’re using 2 TBS, try cutting it back to 1 – 1 1/2 TBS).

Make sure to use vinegar in the rinse cycle.

For a liquid soap to handwash items in the sink, you can try the recipe found here at diylife.com.

Butter - God's Good Fat

Ahh...we used to make butter - such an enjoyable and tasty delight! This article is a worthwhile read, especially if you've been indoctrinated by fat and/or cholesterol = bad. Food as God made it, or produced without wine, dine, refine to it, is good.  I've used a food processor - 3 minutes to make butter.  Amazing!

Kitchen Notes ~ Making Butter by Michael Chu

Sometimes, buying cream in bulk is too good of a deal to pass up. For about the price of two cups (470 mL) of heavy cream at the supermarket, you can pick up a half gallon (8 cups) at the local wholesaler. But, unless you're cooking for a party, that's a lot of cream to use up before you hit the expiration date. After you've made a couple cream pies, clam chowder, and topped your angel food cake, you realize that you've only used four cups of cream! What do you do with the rest? Well. . . I make butter.

I suppose I'm obliged to talk briefly about how butter isn't actually bad for you and how natural saturated fats can actually be beneficial to your body and, maybe, even necessary for good health. I'll try to keep it short: In an earlier article on the topic of Saturated Fats, Cholesterol, and Heart Disease, I wrote about the misinformation concerning saturated fats (the family of fats that butter belongs to) and questioned the link between cholesterol and heart disease. Scientific studies that make a distinction between natural fats and processed fats show that previous evidence that linked fat consuming with obesity and heart disease may not be as straightforward as the commonly believed notion that fat consumption increases weight gain and the risk of heart disease. More and more often, as studies are being conducted more accurately (by not lumping processed fats with natural fats in the same category of study), it is being shown that there is either no correlation between natural fat consumption and obesity and in some cases an argument can be made that the consumption of natural fats can actually promote weight loss! Cholesterol has been "feared" in the last thirty years because it is suspected to be an indicator of heart disease. However, as study after study shows that blood serum levels of cholesterol are less accurate at indicating risk than a meteorologist is at predicting weather two weeks in advance. In fact, cholesterol is a fundamental building block of the human body necessary for proper operation of our brains, maintains a healthy digestive system, is a fundamental building block for many hormones, and serves as the body's main healing agent. It is in this capacity (as a healing agent) that has perhaps caused the most confusion in the understanding of how cholesterol works in the human body. When large amounts of cholesterol are found in the brain of someone afflicted with Alzheimer's disease or who has suffered a stroke, is the cholesterol the cause of the problem or is it there because the body is trying to fix a problem? Many researchers are beginning to believe that what is readily accepted in the medical community (that cholesterol contributes to heart disease, strokes, Alzheimer's, etc.) may in fact be a misinterpretation of the facts. Cholesterol is often found in the plaque that forms on the interior lining of arteries, but more and more researchers believe that the cholesterol is being used by the body to fix damage caused by other substances (such as polyunsaturated fats that have broken down releasing free radicals). Additional research has recently shown that the consumption of cholesterol helps to regulate blood serum cholesterol levels as well. Not only does feeding dietary cholesterol to individuals with low serum level increase their cholesterol, but feeding dietary cholesterol to those who have high cholesterol levels actually brings the level down. High serum level of cholesterol are typically caused by the body's overproduction of cholesterol and the dietary intake of cholesterol provides triggers to the body to reduce the excess production. It should also be noted that dietary cholesterol accounts for less than 1% of the cholesterol circulating in the blood and is less than 0.2% of the total body pool of cholesterol in the average person. 

It turns out that butter is excellent source of vitamins, anti-tumerogenic fatty acids, anti-microbial fatty acids, and dietary cholesterol. Cream has the same properties as butter, but butter is like concentrated cream - with all the health benefits, plus it cooks up real nice and lends wonderful flavors that can't be duplicated no matter how much companies try to mimic the flavor with margarine. 

Making butter is simple and easy (with modern appliances). You can churn the butter from cream in a blender, food processor, mixer, or even some bread machines. All you need is a machine or device that will agitate the cream so that the fat globules in the cream are destabilized. This causes the fat globules to start to clump. This clumping first enables tiny air bubbles to be trapped in the cream forming a relatively stable foam that we know of as whipped cream. When the agitation continues, the fat globules begin to clump so much that the air and fluid being help in place cannot be contained any longer. The foam seizes and the fat network begins to break down into large fat clusters that we call butter. In this example, I'll use a standing mixer to produce almost a pound of butter.

To finish the article and learn how to make butter click HERE.

Now I’m an Unwilling Obamacare Outlaw

At what point will the American people decide they want to be sovereign citizens versus slaves?

October 2, 2013 By Operation Rescue ~ Article by Troy Newman

Today I’ve become an outlaw; a dissenter; an enemy of the state. Without my consent, the U.S. Congress passed a law that forces my conscience and conviction into an inescapable corner. I do not want to be in this position. I did not ask for it. I have not even taken a single action that would put me on the wrong side of the law – yet, somehow, here I am suddenly “breaking” it.

Eighteen years ago, I left my full-time job with an aerospace firm in San Diego to become a full-time ordained minister. When I left my employment, I also left my health insurance. Since my new position as a minister scarcely paid the bills, my family relied on God’s provision to cover all of our healthcare needs, as well as everything else in our lives. Again and again, God showed Himself faithful, and I slowly learned over the next two decades to put all of my trust in Him.

When my children were born, the money to pay the doctors was delivered too. When someone was sick, or needed stitches, or a broken bone set, or a minor surgery, God would provide the means necessary to cover the medical costs incurred.

Thankfully, all seven of us have been relatively healthy. We eat right, we exercise, and we don’t participate in risky lifestyles. (Though, some might argue that it was hazardous for 5 members of our family to pursue our black belts in martial arts.)

For the record, I’m not opposed to insurance. I have insurance on my house and car. I have a term life insurance policy in case the Lord takes me home a little early. But, when it comes to health insurance, each year I have weighed the costs and have opted to take a pay-as-you-go approach. For my family, that approach works, just as it works for hundreds of millions of people around the globe every day.

I also do not think I’m invincible. I am fully aware that this body of mine will not go on forever, but my life is in the Lord’s hands, and I believe history shows that there are far worse possibilities than death – like living under a totalitarian government with no respect for our belief of freedom.

Left unchecked, this new healthcare law is fully capable of leading the United States into becoming a police state. That may sound crazy to some – like I should be wearing a tinfoil hat or something – but I’m a student of history, and it doesn’t take long to see the scope of past civilizations that have been seduced into surrendering, first, their rights, and then their lives, all under the offer of some so-called protection.

I’ve read the healthcare law; it isn’t going to protect, save, or help any of us. What it is going to do, however, is strip away our rights and directly fund abortion. I have consulted with several experts and law firms on the imbedded abortion funding in the new healthcare law, and I can say with certainty: ObamaCare forces us to pay for abortion.

So, let me be very clear on this new healthcare: I may be the very person Congress is claiming to help, but I don’t want or need their assistance regarding my family’s health. I am a free citizen who pays my medical bills as they come. Furthermore, I am absolutely morally opposed to funding baby killers. In fact, I have spent the last two decades fighting to stop abortion, and I will be damned if I’m going to give them any money now.

This is not the case of a rebel searching for a cause. This cause found me when Congress decided our Constitutional rights and our pre-born children were expendable. I wasn’t a criminal yesterday, or for the past 18 years, but somehow today I find myself on the other side of the law. So be it. I’ve seen all the chest thumping coming from Washington, and I’ve heard all about “red-lines” and “no negotiations,” but I’m just a simple man with a simple plan.

I’m not buying a healthcare policy that will fund abortion, and I’m certainly not paying any penalty for freely choosing to do so. At some point, they may lock me up. Before that, I’ll probably get some threatening letters and a few visits from the healthcare cops. At the end of the day, however, my answer will be the same:

I trust in the Lord and I comply with all just laws, but I will not comply with any unlawful mandate to participate in the killing of innocent children.

If you feel the same way, I encourage you to look at A Pledge for the Preservation of Life and Liberty. If you are able, add your signature, and be one of the first to tell Congress: Thanks, but no thanks. We prefer a respect for life and our nation’s hard-earned religious freedom!

Giving

I couldn't figure out a stellar title, hence just giving.  I haven't even thoroughly researched the word or where it's used in the Bible.

I don't see myself as being particularly good at giving - and when I do, I don't do it as a means of 'checking' off a box or garnering attention - at least I hope not.

In fact, blogging about my recent act of giving never crossed my mind, until I'd begun the process.

We have several ladies in our church who've donated hair to Locks of Love and I'd previously considered it; however at the time I had a perm (and yes they'll take permed hair) and thought they wouldn't accept any chemically treated hair (they take dyed hair too).

I've been measuring to ensure I had at least 10 inches, with some to spare, because frankly I'm sort of attached to my hair!  Or my hair is attached to me!  :-D

I noticed some split ends and thought I'd pop into the hair salon (I normally have friends trim it for me) and see about getting about 2 inches trimmed.  The stylist said the split ends weren't bad and asked if we wanted to do the donation cut today.  Hmmmm...I'd pondered that, I'd even had my ruler out and measured, a couple of times!

So I said yes...let's go for it.  The salon indicated there was another organization which accepted donated hair, Wigs for Kids, which I'd never heard of; however, their donation size minimum was 12 inches.

Locks of Love is 10 inches and frankly I wasn't quite ready to part with 12 - seems the LOL wants an inch above the ponytail so 11 inches.  Wow...was I ready?  I thought so.

First step, ponytail the hair, braid, then cut.  Not a problem.

I am well within the 11 inch range!

Which actually left me with hair about shoulder blade length...which is where I should have told the stylist, just even it out and I'll let it grow and donate again.

She suggested layering it so it would lay better, to which I agreed.  I don't know how experienced she was; however for future reference I will N-E-V-E-R allow someone to 'style' or 'cut' my hair that I haven't already established a rapport.

My hair...grief...I didn't realize how much my hair meant to me, how much it made me, well me.

I had to take off my glasses while she cut, so it was difficult to tell exactly what she was doing, but it got shorter and shorter and...you get the idea.

I haven't measured, but guesstimating my shoulder blades are approximately 4 inches from my shoulders, which is where the LONGEST of my hair now resides.  I combed my hair in the parking lot to get rid of the extra hairs and there were 3 inch sections coming out!  Not to mention all those little pieces that invariably get 'stuck' on your head.

I was sniveling on the way home about not EVEN being able to make a ponytail!  Arrived home...looked in the mirror, I mean REALLY looked and started bawling.  I'm not talking about crying, sniff, sniff, I'm talking bawling.

Washed my hair out - to get rid of all those bits and pieces - put it up in a towel (it actually fits now, previously several inches used to dangle out).  Got online to explore the LOL and WFK sites.  Self talking, it will grow back.  Started reading and watching testimonials.

I didn't realize that many of the children assisted have a type of disease which makes their hair (not just on head either!) fall out.  Eyelashes, eyebrows, etc.  I know hair can be a vanity, truly it can and I'm hoping neither I, nor  those who are receiving the hair, are vain about it.

It is a humbling thought for me as I worked through my 'loss' to realize how many have to deal with the complete and unrecoverable loss of their hair.   My hair, God willing, will grow back.  Will I donate again...yes, yes I think I will.  Will I allow an unknown and untried stylist to hack at my hair?  No.

I'm prayerful that this small amount of hair I've given (it takes 6 or more ponytails to make a wig) will be a blessing to some young person.  Next time...more length to the donation and less to the stylist shop floor!  Oh...and I did manage to make a ponytail with what I've got left...its small, but its a start!

The Art of Manliness

Warning - this site could be addicting. :-)

I'm not quite sure how I originally stumbled upon this site - this original article 'grabbed' my attention.

So ladies wonder how a man might critique you as a possible future mate?

Dating Advice from 1944: How to Pick Your Right Girl - here's a few snippets to whet your appetite:

• Could you spend seven consecutive evenings in her company without being bored? (If the answer is affirmative, it is a good sign.)
• Is she a good sport?
• Is she hard on other people? (Don’t judge by her behavior to you.)
• Would she put up with all your faults if she knew them?
• Do you know her faults? Are you willing to live with them?
• If you marry her, will you also be marrying her family?
• Is she quarrelsome? (The Bible warns, “It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop than with a brawling woman in a wide house.”)

Its quite an interesting site...I'm not sure where they land theologically - but all in all a great site for men (or for women who want to better understand)!

A sampling of just a few of the pages I've browsed through - there are literally HUNDREDS of offerings.

How A Man Handles Miscarriage - I thought this one was EXCELLENT - I will definitely keep this one in mind should the unfortunate need arise.

It's amazing to read how men handle, think about stuff - I've always perceived them as such stoic beings, very little emotion, almost robotic.  This will be a refreshing adventure.

Next up...A Resolution for Romance: The 52 Loves Notes Challenge

"One of the marks of being a great man is the ability to love the same woman for over 50 years. That’s manly–hands down."

"The Challenge

The instant communication tools of today have nearly obliterated the love letter, which is a crying shame. Don’t get me wrong, I really love the tech wonders of our day. Email? I love it–so useful. Texting? Same deal. Twitter? Addictive as all get out. These are all fantastic tools for communicating with co-workers, making plans with friends–even asking for the grocery list.

At the end of the day, though, a well-written love letter communicates deep affection in a way that a bazillion texts, emails, and tweets never can."

Well ladies (or gents) there is the gauntlet thrown down, or maybe its the hammer and/or spatula.  I'm taking this as an opportunity to connect with others.  Maybe not sending 52 notes in a year, but taking time to try and really connect, not just electronically. 

Intentional, being intentional in the relationships God currently has in my life, thankful for them and letting them know.

A Husband Who Leads

Isn't that what most married women want? And single ladies in hopes of marrying want?  This question, or a form of it, came up in our Lies study, Chapter 6 (marriage). "If my husband is passive, I've got to take the initiative or nothing will get done."

I came across the blog post below from Pyromaniacs a while back and held onto...and reread it tonight, bulls eye!

"are you the sort of wife you would want to lead, if you were in your husband's shoes?"

Ouch...here's the entire article by Dan Phillips
Are you sure you want a husband who...?  ...leads?

I was a young(er), inexperienced pastor, and befriended two church members. Both were long-timers, very active, seemed like good folks.

As I got to know them better, I got the message very clearly from "Suzy": she was really frustrated with "Bill," because Bill just wouldn't lead. Suzy made this known in many ways, over and over. Bill was not leading, Suzy really wanted him to, she was really bitter and angry and frustrated over it.

Well I was youngish and green, and my dutiful goal was clear to me: I needed to work with Bill, help him become a leader in that marriage. So I spent time with Bill, worked with him, made suggestions. Bill was initially a bit leery but not unwilling. In fact, he became very cooperative.

The result? Bill became an effective leader, Suzy was radiantly happy, both praised and honored God, both loved me, and they remain dear friends to this day.

...

That sound you just heard, in that pause? It was 97% of the pastors reading this, laughing bitterly and saying "Riiiight!"

Those pastors can tell you what really came next. Suzy was not happy with Bill or with me, and both ended up hating me. Why? I'm sure many of you will assume I did things wrong, and I won't disagree with you. But the bottom-line was that Suzy did not want a leader for a husband, and Bill's reticence was a form of self-protection forged from that conflict.

Bill's shortcomings gave Suzy what she really wanted. She really wanted something to complain about in her husband. She wanted a tale to tell on him in gatherings. She wanted something to bring her sympathy and commiseration, to make her look martyred and longsuffering. It fed into her self-image. And she wanted to stay in charge.

Take away from that, and she lost something dear to her. See, everyone does what (s)he does because (s)he believes it will bring happiness. So this poor woman was batting away what sheneeded by the very things she did in pursuit of what she wanted. And I was sap enough to come between her and it, in kind of aProverbs 26:17 no-win situation.

Ladies, does any of that strike any chord within you, any "ouchy" chord? Look, it's just you and me, nobody's watching. You can be candid. You grouse about your poor schlub of a husband who doesn't initiate this and doesn't pursue that and doesn't decide for himself and do the other thing. Maybe your pastor and girlfriends know how frustrated you are. Maybe your pastor knows. Worst of all, maybe your children even know.

Let me ask you just two questions, as I've asked many more elsewhere.

First question: have you possibly contributed to his abdication?

Note the careful wording. Every man's sin is his own, as is every woman's. But God gave you to him to help him (Genesis 1:26); so you do have a crucial, God-given role in his life. He needs this from you. Are you giving it?
Proverbs 14:1 says, "Feminine wisdom builds her house, but feminine denseness tears it down with her own hands" (my translation). I've often thought "hands" could also be "tongue." God has given you a very powerful tongue, which you can use for good, to make him feel like a king (Proverbs 12:4a), or for evil, to eat out the very bones from within him (Proverbs 12:4b). But if you're wise, you will commit yourself to do your husband nothing but good, ever, whether with hands or tongue (Proverbs 31:11-12).

So how does he feel about leading you? Does his heart sing at the prospect? Or does he wince and cringe and groan, because he knows every decision will be faulted, criticized, found wanting, and countered; every mistake will noted, analyzed, and commented on; and every success will be minimized or credited elsewhere? Were I to ask your husband who his most loyal admirer and supporter was, would your name leap to his smiling lips? Should it?
Your husband listens to you better than you think he does, very possibly better than you listen to yourself. He hears you. What you say has an impact. If he's off in a corner somewhere rolled up into a ball, it may say all sorts of horrible things about him. But I'm not talking to him right now. I'm talking to you. And I'm asking you — have you played any part in that?
Second question: do you really want him to become a leader?

You see, the thing about a leader is he leads. That doesn't mean that he always demands his way, untouched by others' input. That's a fool, not a leader (Proverbs 12:15; 13:10; 15:22; 20:18). But it does mean that he will lead, that he will make the final decision. And it means that you must follow, and that not in a formal, outward, dotted-i-but-resentful-hearted way; you should follow respectfully and from the heart. At least, that's what God says (Ephesians 5:22f.; 1 Peter 3:1-6 [remember this post?]).

Now it is possible that you'd have 40, 50, 75 years of married bliss in which every notion your husband has just happens to be exactly what you'd have thought of yourself. Meanwhile, here on Planet Earth, odds are in the other direction. And what do you do in that case? Undergird, or undermine? Embrace or embitter?

Another thing is you may have to doff the martyr-cap, stop blaming your unhappiness on your husband, and deal seriously with the Lord. Maybe you have issues with being a woman, as God defines femininity. Lot of that going around, and sadly it has a lot of "cover" from the spirit of the age and creampuff "evangelicals." But anytime we think we have a better idea than God, we're back in Eden doing the Eve-thing that (after her husband's compliance) got us into this mess in the first place.

Remember, too: "leading" does not mean "doing what you want him to do without your having to tell him."

If any of this hits anywhere near where you live, sister, you need to do some serious work. It's important, it matters. You need to start with the premise that God's "dumbest" idea about womanhood is light-years better than your "brightest" idea. You need to start there, and work it out. Yourself, before God. Youtake up your cross, to die to your personal ideas of femininity in order that you might rise to God's ideas of femininity. That isn't your pastor's job or your husband's job. It's your job.

Otherwise, you really truly need to revisit the whole core of what it means to be a Christian. I am not saying you aren't a Christian; I am suggesting that maybe you have forgotten for a moment what it means, in practical terms, to be a Christian.

Much more could be said, but maybe this is enough to think over, for one short post in a blog.

But in parting I will try to sum it all up in one final pointed question: are you the sort of wife you would want to lead, if you were in your husband's shoes?

So ladies are we just giving 'lip' service or actually, sacrificially acting in accordance with the Word of God...with whomever He has placed in authority in your life?

Caffeine – The World’s Most Widely Used Psychoactive Drug

Caffeine is the world’s most widely used psychoactive drug. Sounds like a bad thing, but doesn’t have to be.

Coffee (the biggest source of caffeine) also happens to be the biggest source of antioxidants in the western diet and consumption of it has been associated with various health benefits in epidemiological studies.

The second largest source of caffeine worldwide is tea, which tends to provide a moderate amount of caffeine, depending on the type.

Caffeine causes stimulation of the central nervous system, increases vigilance and reduces drowsiness.

Caffeine has several proposed mechanisms, the main one is that it is believed to block an inhibitory neurotransmitter called Adenosine at certain synapses in the brain, leading to a net stimulant effect.

Adenosine is believe to increase in the brain throughout the day, building up a kind of a “sleep pressure.” The more Adenosine, the greater the tendency to fall asleep. Caffeine partly reverses this effect (1).

The main difference between the caffeine in coffee and tea, is that tea has a lot less of it.

Whereas a strong cup of coffee can provide 100mg, 200 or even 300mg of caffeine, a cup of tea may provide 20-60mg.

To read the entire article click --> HERE.

Chapter 6 - Lies Women Believe About Marriage

I have to admit, this chapter was tough, very tough.  As a previously married woman (divorced) and now single there was quite a bit to work through!

I'm focusing on Question #3 in the book - renew your mind (your thinking) by the Word of God. Read the following passages aloud.  What do these verses reveal about God's perspective on marriage in general and a wife's role in particular.

Heh...I just noticed it said read ALOUD.

Mark 10:6-9 - But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.  For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

God's perspective?  He made them male and female, not male to male, nor female to female.  They weren't confused about their gender.  They are to set up house as a new unit, belonging solely to one another.  I find it interesting that the man is told to leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife; yet a woman isn't told to the same.  I wonder if this falls into that same category of a woman needing exhortation on respecting her husband and he needing to be reminded to love her.

The number two means division - while one means unity - a man and a woman (husband and wife) becoming one flesh represents unity - just as the Father and the Son are one.

God joining a man and a woman, so can a man and woman be joined outside of God?  Hmmm. Regardless of how they came to be man and wife, God's intent is that they remain together.  Though that makes me think of how when Israel came back into the land from captivity, the men were told to put away their strange wives and children (Ezra 10).  How does that balance out?  Put away, yet don't put away?

Proverbs 31:10-12 - Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 

A woman of great value - trustworthy, dependable, faithful.  A woman should seek to be such a woman, and a man to find such a gem.

Ephesians 5:23-24 - For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 

Ephesians 5:32-33 - This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Submission - to a man *sigh* - but in reality its to the Lord, regardless if one sought the guidance of the Lord (parents, accountability partners, pastors, friends, etc.) as a woman who is in Christ our responsibility (whether married or not) is to T-R-U-S-T the Lord.  This is incredibly hard!  I've had both 'sides' of the coin.  Married, yet needing to trust in the Lord, waiting upon Him and His guidance and wisdom in and through a very difficult marriage.

Waiting upon HIM, crying to Him at times, pleading with Him, resting in Him regarding being single.  I waver back and forth, wanting to be married and then thinking no, its not His will.  I've spoken unadvisedly with my lips vowing never to remarry (when my husband first left).  Have I vowed a vow that He heard and is holding me to?  Should I pray for a husband?  I know I am supposed to be content in whatever state I am, regardless of what His future plans may be, but it is at times extremely difficult!  It still is trusting in Him - whether its yes, wait or no.  Trusting Him to help me be content - that same level of trust in and of the Lord for a married woman with her husband.  It all truly comes back to trusting Him.

A husband is to love his wife - sacrificially, just as Christ sacrificially gave himself for His bride.  Will a man do it perfectly?  If he's not trying at all, what does a woman do?  Trust, pray, seek His counsel and guidance, if necessary outside counsel (depending upon the situation and circumstance).

A woman is to reverence - R-E-S-P-E-C-T - her man - this isn't easy!  Does this give the man a 'free pass' to not love her?  No.  If the man isn't loving, does this give the woman a 'free pass' to not respect her husband?  No.  It is a trust and obey issue for both - and forgiveness when they fall or fail to live up to God's standards or human expectations.

1 Peter 3:1-6 - 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; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 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. 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: 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. 

I have to be honest - the whole Sara thing, it baffles my brain.  I mean really?  Twice Abraham gives, or allows Sara to be 'wed' or 'betrothed' to another man, all the while married to him! 

Really?  I'm sorry, but I don't think I could go that route.  Now to put it in perspective, Sara really had no choice - a woman is owned by her husband (this one baffles me as well, and how, or if, it has a sustainable position today).  She had no money, nothing of 'hers' - if you will.  She has to go.  Yet she didn't make a scene, didn't say a word, didn't slip a note to the king - 'psst, hey, I'm really already married to Abraham.'

She waited patiently - and maybe that's the whole point, not what she had to wait patiently on - each woman's situation will be different, but she must wait upon the Lord.  Trusting him.  Yet, when it came to trust, Sara tried to 'help' God by giving Hagar (her Egyptian maid) to Abraham as a surrogate mother.  What a mess her 'solution' made!

What are we called to 'wait upon the Lord' for and are trying to 'help' God out?  Manipulating or being devious in trying to orchestrate situations and/or circumstances to have it 'turn out right?'  Oh, ladies, let's be honest, when we get a bee in our bonnets, we will 'work' it from every angle.  Not always, but we sure do run a host of plans through the mental mill.  Wait, I say, wait upon the Lord and He will give HIS answer in due season.

Isa_40:31  But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Psa_37:9  For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.

Role of Husband

Courtesy of Free Bible Study.

What is the role of the husband in marriage? Many ideas abound from extremely passive to absolute dictator. With humanistic attacks on marriage and the family, the role of the husband has been clouded and confused. If you add to this common misunderstandings of Scriptural authority and Biblical principles, it is amazing the amount of pressure that is placed on men.
If marriages and families are going to be healthy we must understand and apply God's requirements for all family members. So what are God's requirements for husbands? [Note: there are many "roles" of a man but this report focuses on the role of a man as husband.]

God has designed the world around a system of authority. Everyone is under someone's authority. Ultimately, all authority is delegated authority under God. The person who exercises authority [or refuses to do so] is responsible to God. Misuse of authority in any sphere - government, family, church, etc - leads to the judgment of God for misrepresenting the character of God.

The authority structure, as it relates to the family, places the husband and wife as a team much like the President and the Vice President. They should work together to build a life and the Kingdom of God by solving problems in a Biblical way. However, in cases where agreement cannot be reached, someone must have the authority to make the final decision. God has placed that authority in the husband.

"For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body." Eph. 5:23

Many times we sinfully stop at the first phrase. We stress that the husband is the head of the wife while ignoring the rest of the sentence. The husband is to be the head of the wife in the same way that Christ is the head of the Church and is its Saviour.

How is Christ the head of the Church? He is the Leader of the Church, but all His decisions are made for the benefit of the Church. He makes NO decisions from selfish motives. Sometimes He makes hard decisions, but always for the ultimate benefit of the Church. In fact, His love for the Church went so far as the giving up of His body to torture and death for her.

In the same way, the husband may need to make tough decisions, but they are to always be for the benefit of his wife and children. He is to always place their needs and desires above his own. As a human being, the husband deals with his own sinful nature and needs the counsel of his wife on reaching the best decisions. God placed them together as a team. However, when the time for a decision comes, he is the one who stands responsible before God for making it...and for its consequences. It is a heavy responsibility, not a power trip.

The husband cannot be the saviour of his wife in the same way that Christ is the Saviour of the church. Only Christ's Blood can bring forgiveness of sin. He is; nevertheless, to lead his wife in the ways of God. He is to study and know the Word of God and develop his own relationship with God so he can lead in Godly ways. And just as Christ gave His life for the Church, the husband must be willing to sacrifice his physical life if necessary to save the life of his wife. Part of this also includes, as we have written elsewhere, making sure his wife is properly cared for should he die before she does. It should be obvious from the above that the husband is not an independent authority. He only has legitimate authority as he is submitted to the authority of Christ. He does not make decisions or take actions based on his own feelings, desires, or wisdom. He must study and know the Word of God, be submitted to it, and apply it in love.

So, husbands, you are the managers under God of your home. You are responsible before God for everything that goes on in it. If there isn't enough love [or anything else] in the home, don't complain, don't blame your wife. It's your fault...and your responsibility to take charge and fix it with Godly solutions.

Husbands, you cannot do this on your own. It will break you. You need the power of the Holy Spirit...and you need an assistant. God, in His wisdom, provided you with a lovely and competent assistant.

"And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." Gen. 2:21-23
This is one reason why the husband/wife relationship is the most important human relationship. It is more important than the parent/child relationship. It is more important than the husband's or wife's relationship with their own parents. Certainly, it is vastly more important that relationships with friends outside the home. The husband/wife relationship is the priority relationship. Only our relationship with God is more important.

"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." Gen. 2:24

The husband is to take time to understand and minister to his wife. This is especially important in the first year of marriage when so much change and adjustment is taking place [Deut. 24:5, Col. 3:19]. Take time out from the business of life to enjoy your wife. Dating does not stop when you get married! Continue to have fun together [Ecc. 9:9].

In line with this, the husband is to be an encourager. It is so tempting to criticize, complain, and make hurting comments. That is not how Christ treats His Church. He treasures it. A husband should treasure his wife. He should take every opportunity to build her up and encourage her. He should be her biggest promoter and should take Godly pride when she is successful in any area of life.

"Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her." Pr. 31:28

Another role of the husband is to be his wife's lover. A husband should met his wife's sexual needs. Sex is to be an act of giving, it is being more concerned about fulfilling the needs of the wife than receiving fulfillment. The husband must understand that his wife views sex differently and different things minister to her needs. He must be gentle and kind. He must not be too proud to ask his wife what meets her desires. Researching with Christian, tasteful but detailed books [like Act of Marriage or Intended for Pleasure] is recommended. Note: Trying to use X-rated movies or other  pornographic material to improve the sexually relationship is sinful and extremely harmful to the relationship.

"And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed." Gen. 2:25

"The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife." 1 Cor. 7:4

This report is not intended to bring condemnation, but to challenge us. If our relationship is less than it should be, we need to take responsibility, find the Biblical solutions, and then apply them. We may need to humbly seek the forgiveness of our wife for having failed her. Real leaders are humble people. Then we prove the sincerity of our repentance by changing to become Godly husbands. May God help us for with Him all things are possible, but without Him failure is inevitable.

What if a man's wife does not follow his leadership? Should he try to force her to submit? How does Christ deal with His Church when it doesn't submit to Him? Jesus continues to lead. He does not compromise Godly principles to gain cooperation. He continues to love and provide for His Church. His love is shown in His faithfulness and care even when His Church does not deserve it. He does not use violence or manipulation to attempt to force or trick His Church into obedience. Certainly it is a difficult position to be in, but study the actions of Christ with His Church for the principles of how to operate.

Most wives will not have a problem with submission if they know their husbands are genuinely following God and doing their best for their wives and families. Only if the wife is committing a Biblical divorce offense does that become an option. No husband is required to remain married to a woman who deliberately pursues a sinful life-style.

Finally, is the role of the husband different for Christians and non-Christians? No, God's standards in every area of life are the same for His entire human creation. As sinful creatures we will always fall below the perfect standard set by Christ; however, empowered by the Holy Spirit, it should be our goal. We should never be satisfied with less than the best. It is a shame of Christian men that many non-Christians show more love for their wives than they do.