The King's Daughter

C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S

2010-12-08T09:35:00.001-08:00

Grades 3-6 will present a Christmas program the day after Christmas at church. I love to work with the third graders as they practice in our Sunday School class. There are always great songs, and of course wonderful verses. This year this one's been running through my head (we're probably going to have the kids sing it at our nursing home music program this year, too)

C is for the Christ Child, born upon that day,

H for herald angels in the night.

R for our Redeemer,

I for Israel;

S is for the star that shone so bright.

T is for 3 wise men, they who traveled far.

M is for the manger where He lay.

A's for all He stands for.

S means shepherds came.

That's why there's a Christmas day.

Prophecy:

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

~~~~~~~

Fulfilled:
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Matthew 1
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Luke 2

Snow...

2010-01-12T15:50:00.000-08:00

Winter means snow and cold weather. Duh. The older I get, the less my bones like the cold. But snow is so beautiful. Pictures of snowy places take my breath away. There's an interesting picture of snow in the Bible, too. Isaiah 1:18 says:

"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."

Interesting - says let's reason together. Our sins are as scarlet, crimson - stained deep within us. But God says they shall be white as snow and wool. Picture a snow filled field that has no footprints or any other disturbances in it. You're standing there looking at the field - do you hear the hushed sounds. Everything is softer and quieter with snow.

God offers us that. Our sins washed away through the blood of His Son Jesus Christ. "and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." Once we are cleansed, we have peace within - our fears and worries are hushed and still. Eternal life is ours, sins are cleansed, peace....

Come now, let us reason together....who wouldn't want that?

Salute to our troops

2009-05-23T13:41:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine lost her son in Iraq in 2004 - just days after he arrived. He was with his unit when they were ambushed. His shooting enabled everyone in that vehicle to survive - except him. He had such a wonderful testimony. He knew God wanted him where he was, and was ready to die if need be. They filmed the funeral (the one in Iraq - the family had one here in US, too). It was really something.

His dad wrote a book about his son, about his salvation and his death - which was truly heroic. It has gotten into the hands of so many of the military! BJU did a dramatization about his life and traveled the country for a year performing it. We were thrilled when a church in the area had them come in - it was a chance to see his mom again (they moved from the area years ago) and the presentation was so powerful!I babysat him and his siblings some when they were younger.

To Jonathan and all the rest of our fallen heroes; to those who serve today: Thank you for your service. You have been unfairly vilified by many, you have faced horrendous enemies, you willingly put your life in danger - from the beginnings of our country to now. And I thank you. I honor your service and sacrifice for our country. God bless you.

Check out "My Thanks is Not Enough" http://www.brooksmonk.com/videos

Fresh Air...

2009-04-20T13:20:00.000-07:00

Aaah! Spring has finally truly arrived! My favorite part of spring's arrival is opening my windows and doors. All winter long, the only fresh air that gets in the house is during the hurried opening and closing of the door as we go in or out. But when spring comes, that changes! Windows are raised and doors are thrown open...and sweet, fresh air flows through the house.

As I eagerly awaited the weather turning to the point when the furnace goes off and the windows go up, I began to think of a spring rite that women have participated in for ages: spring cleaning. And then a correlation began to run through my mind ~ spring cleaning our houses and spring cleaning our lives.

Just as the first step in spring cleaning is to allow refreshing air access to our homes, so need we to allow the Holy Spirit's refreshing access to our hearts and lives.

Something interesting about the wind ~ we can't see it...but we can see the results of its work. The same is true of the Holy Spirit. We can't see Him ~ but we can see the results of His work.

David said, "Create in me a clean heart, o God...(Ps. 51:10a)." God wants to that today for all of us.

If you've never turned to Christ for forgiveness of your sins, open the windows of your heart and soul and allow the Holy Spirit to breathe new life into you.

If you have accepted Christ as your Saviour, but winter has set deeply into your heart ~ throw open those windows and allow the freshness of the Holy Spirit to sweep away the staleness.

Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me.

Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.

Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me.

Let the spring cleaning begin!

Beulah Land

2009-03-20T10:29:00.000-07:00

I'm kind of homesick for a country
To which I've never been before.
No sad goodbyes will there be spoken
for time won't matter anymore.

Beulah Land, I'm longing for you,
and some day on thee I'll stand.
There my home shall be eternal.
Beulah Land -- sweet Beulah Land

I'm looking now across the river
where my faith will end in sight.
There's just a few more days to labor.
Then I will take my heavenly flight.

Beulah Land, I'm longing for you,
and some day on thee I'll stand.
There my home shall be eternal.
Beulah Land--sweet Buelah Land.

Squire Parsons singing it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyYToQfFJbE

We had a funeral at our church yesterday. A godly lady went to be with the Lord after a battle with cancer. What a comfort to her family and friends to know that she is in Beulah Land now - free from pain and disease!

Abortion

2009-02-11T08:04:00.000-08:00

For the life of me, I cannot understand how anyone can justify the murdering of a babe in the womb. But many people do. And they want to push the Freedom of Choice Act on us - even if they have to sneak it through. Many people have protested against FOCA. And pro-abortionists know that they cannot just push it...so...

Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood, is quoted in the Wall Street Journal:
"We're going to be smart and strategic about our policy agenda to bring people together to make progress for women's health. The Freedom of Choice Act is very important . . . but we have a long list of things to get done that I think can address problems immediately that women are facing, that are really immediate concerns."

Smart and strategic...does that equal sneaky? I think so. What is that long list? And just how many tax dollars does that entail? Too many, if even $1.00 goes towards abortion "rights."

Fight this today by sending a letter to your representative, before Friday, February 13.
https://secure3.convio.net/aulact/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=133

Winter continues...

2009-02-02T11:29:00.000-08:00

Six more weeks of winter? Brrrrrrrr!

A Must See Movie

2009-01-27T10:49:00.000-08:00

We recently watched a movie called As With Roses. The movie is set in 1651, and tells the story of Obadiah Holmes, a man who knew what he believed and stood by it no matter what. See the trailer here: http://www.shilohfilms.org/as_with_roses.html

I was fascinated by this movie for several reasons. Holmes was beaten because he didn't subscribe to some of the unbiblical beliefs of the Congregational church. And it was churchmen that beat him!

My 11 generations back grandfather, John Crandall, is featured in the movie for just a little bit. He accompanied Holmes and their pastor on the trip that is mentioned in the movie, and he was jailed as well. He was allowed to leave with the agreement that he would come back and stand trial. Different versions of history say he did, others say he did not return for trial.

He did, however, help found the city of Westerly, Rhode Island. He was born in Westerleigh, England, so it is assumed that is where the RI town's name came from. He became the first pastor of the Baptist church in Westerly.

Wow! I have always loved the study of history. It surely comes alive when your faith is shown to have an intricate part in that history, and then when your family line is intertwined with it!!

Christmas is coming

2008-12-22T11:17:00.000-08:00

Only a few more days until Christmas. One of my favorite holidays of the year. It seems like every year I think about the Messianic prophecies at this time. This year, Genesis 3:15 has really jumped out at me.

"And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel."

This verse is so full of what was to come. The woman's seed - prophesied later that a virgin would bear a son. Enmity is surely there between Christianity and non-Christianity. The devil bruised Christ's heel in the crucifixion, but in the resurrection, Christ bruised his head!!! Victory over sin and death is ours. And this verse tells about all of it!

Here he is...

2008-11-13T08:31:00.000-08:00

Okay, I finally got a photo taken. Here he is:

He's home!

2008-11-10T06:37:00.000-08:00

Our son got home on Friday afternoon. We weren't expecting him until later in the day, so it was a nice surprise!!!

I had texted him to ask what was happening as far as his flight was concerned. At 11:30 a.m. he texted back that he was "on flight, taxiing, gotta go." I excitedly called my hubby, and we calculated that he would be home by 5:00!! Wonderful!

But...I pulled into my driveway at just a little after 1:30 p.m. - and THERE HE STOOD!!!!! Wow! He had texted me as they were pulling into the airport, not as they were leaving!

He had already arranged with his recruiter to pick him up.

Our family has always enjoyed surprises. My husband is constantly thinking of things to do to surprise me. I guess it's rubbed off on our son!! =D

He'll be home for a couple of months. We are so glad he's here...

A Loss

2008-11-06T11:13:00.001-08:00

Sad news this week. The 18 year old son of friends of ours was killed in a head on collision. I used to babysit him and his siblings when the family first moved to our area. It doesn't seem that long ago, but it's been a lot of years!

One evening a couple of years back, my hubby and I stopped at a local fast food place - and there he was, working! I was surprised! I told him he surely couldn't be old enough to be employed. He grinned...

My heart breaks for our friends. The death of a loved one is never easy. As Christians, we know we will see them again, and that is wonderful. But there is still grief. And to lose a child. I can't even begin to imagine the hurt!

My son is on his way home. He's been gone since the end of April. We got to see him at the end of June for a couple of days. But now he's heading home.

My arms ache with the need to hug my son...

Please pray for my friends.

McCain speaks about Obama's tax plan

2008-10-20T15:22:00.000-07:00

http://video.newsmax.com/?assetId=V3274509

I don't have wealth to spread around - do you? Socialism is not healthy for any country.

Obama will redistribute your wealth...

2008-10-15T09:12:00.000-07:00

Barack Obama wants to spread the money around. Interesting video...

http://www.foxnews.com/video2/video08.html?maven_referralObject=3151910&maven_referralPlaylistId=&sRevUrl=http://www.foxnews.com/

Obama and Ayers...what says the FBI?

2008-10-14T13:13:00.000-07:00

So many people, Barack Obama included, are trying to say that Obama's friendship with William Ayers isn't important. But I beg to differ. Many of his alliances are questionable, to say the very least. But Ayers was a terrorist, against America, who remains unrepentant. Ronald Kessler has written an interesting article about the anger of some former FBI agents. Here is an excerpt:

"Noel noted that Ayers was a directing force of the Weather Underground. His wife-to-be, Bernardine, headed that organization.

“They were a violent, violent, anti-government, domestic terrorist organization,” Noel said. “Obama has not only associated with those people, he continued associating with racist people like his minister Jeremiah Wright over a period of 20 years. I don’t think that’s by happenstance. It’s just amazing to me. The American people are being led by the nose by people who say this isn’t important.”

Read more at http://www.newsmax.com/headlines/fbi_obama_ayers_/2008/10/14/140252.html

Obama claims Ayers is just a neighbor. But the facts show differently. Obama's alliances alone point to the fact that he will be a dangerous president. But many Americans aren't looking beyond his media-created superstardom. Sad.

Dear Mr. Obama

2008-09-23T11:52:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8

Infanticide

2008-09-10T11:54:00.000-07:00

When I was expecting my son 21 years ago, I was extremely ill. The illness was pregnancy related. I was told that the only way to avoid it was abortion. Well, thank God I didn't have an abortion. My son is 21 years old and healthy today...and sometimes I think of the doctor mentioning abortion to me and I just cringe that he could even recommend it. That is one of the reasons this video is so horrific. It will be hard to watch, but please watch it to the end. If there were no other reason to vote for McCain than to keep Obama out of the White House, this would be sufficient.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=VIdbYjmbFzo

A few pictures...

2008-09-09T07:34:00.000-07:00

I got to talk to my son last night and wish him happy birthday. It was good to hear from him. They had just finished playing the first football game of the season. His team won. He said he didn't know if they were good or if the other team was just bad. They'll see on Wednesday when they play again. He had a test Friday...we had talked about it, and he was kind of concerned. Classes are getting harder as they go. BUT! He was one of only 6 in the class that got 100%! That's my boy, er, man!!!

I thought I'd post a few more pics (okay, Leiann =D).

This one was taken in Ohio in Sept, 1997. Josh had just turned 10. We were at a family reunion. Beautiful day. And both of my guys look so young....

In 2002, my parents came to visit in their motor home. They brought my nephew with them. Here is my son with my dad and my nephew. See what my nephew has? Toy soldiers? They were my son's...yep, even then...

It's my two guys again in this last photo. This was taken in Oct., 2005. Aren't they handsome? =D

Happy Birthday, Son

2008-09-08T12:13:00.000-07:00

Twenty-one years ago my husband and I welcomed our son into the world. After almost 9 months of hard pregnancy, I held in my arms the precious baby boy that God gave us. Such a skinny thing! He weighed just over 4 pounds at birth and was 18 inches long. He looked longer because he was so skinny. Someone commented that he at least got my nose, but the rest of him was his dad (and still is!).

Happy birthday, son!

Just a little over two months...

2008-08-29T15:57:00.000-07:00

I'm getting excited now...my son will be done with this phase of his training in early Nov. and will be coming home. I can't wait!

This is great!

2008-08-04T09:38:00.000-07:00

I don't know who authored this, but it is so good, I have to post it here. It is great, and mirrors my thoughts exactly...and I'm sure many other Americans feel this way, too! Credited to an angry NJ housewife, name unknown:

'Are we fighting a war on terror or aren't we? Was it or was it not started by Islamic people who brought it to our shores on September 11, 2001? Were people from all over the world, mostly Americans, not brutally murdered that day, in downtown Manhattan , across the Potomac from our nation's capitol and in a field in Pennsylvania ? Did nearly three thousand men, women and children die a horrible, burning or crushing death that day, or didn't they? And I'm supposed to care that a copy of the Koran was 'desecrated' when an overworked American soldier kicked it or got it wet?...Well, I don't. I don't care at all.

I'll start caring when Osama bin Laden turns himself in and repents for incinerating all those innocent people on 9/11. I'll care about the Koran when the fanatics in the Middle East start caring about the Holy Bible, the mere possession of which is a crime in Saudi Arabia I'll care when these thugs tell the world they are sorry for chopping off Nick Berg's head while Berg screamed through his gurgling slashed throat. I'll care when the cowardly so-called 'insurgents' in Iraq come out and fight like men instead of disrespecting their own religion by hiding in mosques. I'll care when the mindless zealots who blow themselves up in search of nirvana care about the innocent children within range of their suicide I'll care when the American media stops pretending that their First Amendment liberties are somehow derived from international law instead of the United States Constitution's Bill of Rights.

In the meantime, when I hear a story about a brave marine roughing up an Iraqi terrorist to obtain information, know this: I don't care. When I see a fuzzy photo of a pile of naked Iraqi prisoners who have been humiliated in what amounts to a college-hazing incident, rest assured: I don't care. When I see a wounded terrorist get shot in the head when he is told not to move because he might be booby-trapped, you can take it to the bank: I don't care. When I hear that a prisoner, who was issued a Koran and a prayer mat, and fed 'special' food that is paid for by my tax dollars, is complaining that his holy book is being 'mishandled,' you can absolutely believe in your heart of hearts: I don't care. And oh, by the way, I've noticed that sometimes it's spelled 'Koran' and other times 'Quran.' Well, Jimmy Crack Corn and-you guessed it-I don't care!!

If you agree with this viewpoint, pass this on to all your E-mail friends. Sooner or later, it'll get to the people responsible for this ridiculous behavior! If you don't agree, then by all means hit the delete button. Should you choose the latter, then please don't complain when more atrocities committed by radical Muslims happen here in our great Country!

And may I add: 'Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem' -- Ronald Reagan I have another quote that I would like to add AND.......I hope you forward all this. 'If we ever forget that we're One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under' Also by.. Ronald Reagan.

One last thought for the day: In case we find ourselves starting to believe all the Anti-American sentiment and negativity, we should remember England 's Prime Minister Tony Blair's words during a recent interview. When asked by one of his Parliament members why he believes so much in America , he said: 'A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in.. And how many want out.'

Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you:
1. Jesus Christ
2. The American G. I.

One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.

YOU MIGHT WANT TO PASS THIS ON, AS MANY SEEM TO FORGET BOTH OF THEM.

This video is hilarious!

2008-08-01T12:45:00.000-07:00

The messianic fervor surrounding Obama is presented quite well in this video!

http://www.johnmccain.com/videolanding/theone.htm

Always a mommy....

2008-07-22T11:57:00.000-07:00

I found out this morning that my son has a severe upper respiratory infection, possibly pneumonia. And of course, the mommy in me instantly got worried. He is on medication and being taken care of, but of course not as well as I can do! =D

I don't know if mothers ever get over the desire to make their kids all better. I am really thankful that our Heavenly Father hears our prayers and watches over our children even as they leave the nest...

Flip-Flopper Extroadinaire

2008-07-18T12:37:00.000-07:00

Interesting video - a must see for everyone...

http://www.johnmccain.com/videolanding/documentary.htm

When I think about the people who believe this man will be good for this country...who needs a president who changes his mind so much. It's not just the war. He sways with the wind. Scary.

Proud of my Soldier

2008-07-10T09:47:00.000-07:00

On June 27, our son graduated from Basic Training in the National Guard. We got to spend 2 days with him. The day before graduation is Family Day. There was a demonstration, and then the batallion marched onto the field, through a wall of smoke. Boy, was it a thrill to see the colors coming through the smoke, and then to see the soldiers - approx. 900 of them!! When we were allowed to stream onto the field to get our soldier, it took us a while because there were so many people there. But, sad to say, there were some soldiers whose families were not able to be there. My heart hurt for those young men and women.

We enjoyed our day on the base with our son. He wasn't allowed to leave the base on Family Day, but it was good just to be with him. He enjoyed his first sub in 10 weeks.

The next day was graduation. At the end of it, the batallion does a pass review. That was just really something to see. All of those soldiers marching in step together...and my son amongst them. Wow.

He got an off base pass for the night and was able to come back to our hotel with us. Another day and and evening with him - we truly were grateful. He had to be back by 5:00 a.m., so we dropped him off and said good-bye. His hello hug the day before and his good-bye hug that morning were pretty strong ones! He flew out that day for continued training. Should be home in time for Thanksgiving.

I miss my boy. And now he is gone - my boy has become a man. My prayer for him is that he will put God first in his life, and allow God to lead in the direction He wants him to go. And that he will be the best soldier he can be. Goodness, but I'm proud of him.

My Soldier

Video Portrait of Obama

2008-06-11T12:09:00.000-07:00

The office of the President of the United States is an important one. We are heading into a long season of campaigning by the two presumptive nominees. They both have problems. McCain is not as conservative as I or many others would like. But what about the alternative? Barack Obama has seemed to incite almost hysterical followers, claiming hope and change. Yes, I do believe he will bring change to America, but not the kind his followers think he means! I found this vidoe very interesting. Do we really want Barack Obama in the White House? Not me!

http://www.eyeblast.tv/Public/Video.aspx?rsrcID=2036

2008-06-02T12:39:00.000-07:00

A father/daughter team has come out with a music video thanking soldiers for their sacrifice, titled "My Thanks is Not Enough." It is a wonderful song. Find it here:
http://brooksmonk.com/videos

I don't think you'll be able to listen to it without at least choking up. And truly, our thanks are not enough!

In Memory

2008-05-23T13:05:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ervaMPt4Ha0

Thank you, veterans. You are greatly appreciated.

New CD from wonderful singer

2008-04-25T13:28:00.000-07:00

Diana Gonzalez is a friend of mine, and a member at the same church. God has given her a talent and a love for singing His praises. She has just completed a CD entitled "His Love is the Theme of My Song."

Find it at http://diana-gonzalez.com/ and go to news and/or products.

It definitely will be worth the purchase price!!

Count Your Blessings

2007-11-21T11:56:00.000-08:00

Since this is that time of year, let's count our blessings. Even when things look bleak, we do have daily blessings. The Bible tells us in Psalm 68:19, "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation."

Look at that verse again, o daughter of the king: our Lord, the God of our salvation daily LOADS us with benefits. Not just one...but loads ~ every day!!! Wow! What are some of them in my life?

~ my salvation...the God of gods, the Lord of Glory saved ME!!!!
~ my husband...what a wonderful man the Lord gave me. I consider myself blessed many times over to be married to a man who loves the Lord with all his heart.
~ my son...still growing and learning, but I thank the Lord for my boy (actually young man, now!).
~ my church...thank God that He has seen fit to place us in a church where the Word of God is taught, preached and practiced!
~ my friends...I am so thankful for Christian friends who I know pray for me.
~ my ministry...I am thankful for the opportunity that we have as a family to minister in a nursing home every week. What a blessing those folks are. And then on Sundays I get to work with third graders in Sunday School. Love those kids!
~ my health...I have some health issues that can cause problems, but praise the Lord for the health He has given me!
~ my breath...one of those daily benefits ~ God gives me breath.
~ my warm house...it's not the biggest or fanciest, but it's home; it's a roof over our heads in the winter weather; it keeps out the rain; and my family is there with me.

And on and on the list could go. I praise and thank God for His blessings. What about you? Care to share?

"I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high."

Links didn't work...

2007-11-21T08:07:00.001-08:00

The seven links I posted didn't work...here goes a correction.

Neubauers http://www.jamesneubauer.blogspot.com/

Julie http://juliesjewels062694.blogspot.com/

Jennifer http://7moorespaces.spaces.live.com/

Suzi http://mom4boyz.blogspot.com/

Rachel http://joyfuldevotion.blogspot.com/

Jerry http://faithfulmenofgod.blogspot.com/

The Senz Family http://whythesnowbelt.blogspot.com/

Sorry for the inconvenience, and hope this works (I am not too swift on this type of thing!!)

I've Been Tagged...

2007-11-21T07:37:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged by Kim at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/momofneb

The Rules are simple:

~ Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog

~ Share seven random and/or weird facts about yourself

~ Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs

~ Let each person know they've been tagged by leaving a message on their blog

So now...

1. In the last 2 years, I have had two cats...and both of them have disappeared!

2. I work in a musuem that is run by a library.

3. My favorite color is green.

4. My favorite flower is rose.

5. I love to cook and have guests over.

6. I don't enjoy baking!

7. We moved so much that I went to a different high school every year.

Now it's my turn to link to 7 blogs. If you don't want to do this, feel free to pass it up.

The Neubauers at God is so good

Julie at Julies Jewels

Suzi at 4 sweet boys...40 loads of laundry

Jennifer at The Moore the Merrier

The Senz Family at what do you mean, plant a church in the snowbelt?

Rachel at Joyful Devotion

Jerry at faithful men of God

2007-11-20T13:36:00.000-08:00

My son joined the Indiana National Guard in August of this year, just a few days before he turned 20. He won't be going to Basic until 2008, but is training at the monthly drills. He felt strongly that God would have him do this. I'm proud of my soldier boy.

Holy Club Questions

2007-11-16T07:12:00.000-08:00

This was posted on a forum recently. I think these are some good questions to help take inventory of our spiritual lives.

John Wesley's Holy ClubQuestionsThese are 22 questions the members of John Wesley's Holy Club asked themselves every day in their private devotions over 200 years ago.

1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I relly am? In other words, am I a hypocrite?
2. Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?
3. Do I confidentially pass on to another what was told to me in confidence?
4. Can I be trusted?
5. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work, or habits?
6. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?
7. Did the Bible live in me today?
8. Do I give it time to speak to me everyday?
9. Am I enjoying prayer?
10. When did I last speak to someone else about my faith?
11. Do I pray about the money I spend?
12. Do I get to bed on time and get up on time?
13. Do I disobey God in anything?
14. Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?
15. Am I defeated in any part of my life?
16. Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy, or distrustful?
17. How do I spend my spare time?
18. Am I proud?
19. Do I thank God that I am not as other people, especially as the Pharisees who despised the publican?
20. Is there anyone whom I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold a resentment toward or disregard? If so, what am I doing about it?
21. Do I grumble or complain constantly?
22. Is Christ real to me?

Let's take inventory of our spiritual lives...

Are we wise or are we foolish?

2007-11-15T08:36:00.000-08:00

Proverbs 14:1 states: Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

As I read that this morning, the question hit me - am I building my house or am I plucking it down? That led me to wonder how we, as women, as daughters of the King, can build or destroy our houses. Let's look at just a few ways...

~ Attitude ~ What is our attitude toward people and circumstances in our lives?

Do we grumble and complain? It is so easy for women to do that, isn't it? But should we be murmurers? Let's look at 1 Cor. 1-10. I will just pull out a few phrases here; it would be good to read the entire thing on your own. "Moreover, brethren, [I think this includes the sisters, here, too! =D] I would not that ye should be ignorant...now these things were our examples...neither murmur ye... God doesn't want us to murmur anymore than He wanted the Children of Israel in the wilderness to murmur. Remember that murmuring is the same as complaining. When we gripe and complain, we are tearing down our house...our spouses suffer, our children suffer. What do we gain out of complaints? Our family wants to avoid us, friends don't want to spend time with us, and no lost person is going to believe a grump who tries to tell them about the joy of salvation!! Net gain: Zero!

~ Action ~ Do our actions glorify God?

Are our actions in line with scripture? The Bible tells us in Colossians 3:23: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. All of our actions are to be done to the Lord. Hmmmm....that means when we dust. When we do dishes. When we iron. When we do laundry. When we vacuum. When we change those diapers or wipe those runny noses. When we cook that huge meal. When we do dishes again. When we dust again. When we iron again. When we wash those same clothes AGAIN!!! Yes, sometimes a wife and mother's job can be tedious, repetitive, BORING....But if we are doing it heartily, as to the Lord, our daily tasks will lose that tediousness, that boredom. As you wash dishes today, remind yourself that you are building a home...you are building lives, and helping to build the future homes of your little ones (if your little ones are gone, maybe you have grand little ones...), you are building your house for your spouse, no matter how long you have been married. Is your house being built or is it being plucked down?

Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

Daughters of the King, let's be wise women and build our houses...

September 11 Salute

2007-09-11T09:05:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all of those who have given their lives or are now putting their lives on the line for our country. God bless America, land that I love.

What if your church wasn't there?

2007-08-30T09:47:00.000-07:00

I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord. Psalm 122:1

Last Sunday the question was asked "What if our church weren't here?" There was a direction the speaker was heading, but the Holy Spirit has continually brought that up to me this week. What if my church weren't here? Look around your church and ask yourself that. What would be the impact if your church didn't exist, and had never existed?

How many souls that have been saved through the outreach of your church would be lost and headed for Hell, or maybe there already, instead of on their way to Heaven, or in Heaven already?

Depending on how long your church has been there, how many children that were saved and grew into adults serving the Lord wouldn't be saved and/or serving Him right now? There is a man in our church who has been here just about since the beginning of the church (37 years ago!). He has teenage grandchildren now, who are being trained up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord by their parents, his children. Would they be if our church had never been started?

How many homes that have been helped would be broken if not for the ministry of your church?

What would the impact on your community be? Yes, most likely the community by and large doesn't like your church, but the people in your church have made an impact for the Lord that wouldn't be there if your church wasn't.

When I was younger, we lived in Washington state. My mom and my stepdad married when I was nine. When I was 10, a bus captain came and visited our neighborhood. I promised I would go to church the next Sunday. Well, I forgot and spent the night with a friend, and missed the bus. But that captain didn't give up. He came back the next week, and I rode the bus. I got my brother to go another week. Then one day, the pastor came to visit. He talked with my dad, and showed him how he could have assurance of his salvation. Next thing you know, the whole family was going to church (IFB, by the way). My parents had been having some marital problems and mom had prayed and asked God to do something. That was the week the bus captain showed up. My parents will celebrate 38 years of marriage this year. But what if Open Door Babtist Church of Lynwood, WA wouldn't have been there? My older brother (while we were still attending Open Door) later led my younger brother to the Lord, because of what was taught at Open Door. He and I had already been saved through a Bible camp we had gone to. But where would my younger brother be? Would my older brother have talked with him about his soul, if Open Door hadn't been there. Don't know ~ but I am so thankful Pastor Blue obeyed God and started Open Door Baptist Church.

If the church where my husband and I had met hadn't been there, when I visited my mother on Mother's Day in 1986, we would have gone elsewhere for church, and I wouldn't be married to the best man in the world!!! =D We wouldn't have our son.

After my husband and I had been married almost 3 years, God called him to Bible college. Hubby felt God was leading him to Fairhaven Baptist College in Chesterton, Indiana. In 1989, we moved, with our almost 2 year old son, to Chesterton and my husband began college. We are still here, eighteen years later. God has worked in our lives through the ministry of the church here, and I am so thankful. But what if the church wasn't here? Scary thought! We have needed the preaching and teaching God has given us through our church, to raise our son and to have a good marriage, and to be the Christians God would have us be. Has everything been perfect? Oh, no ~ but would we still be married if it weren't for our church? Hopefully yes, but there are so many marriages that took place the same year as ours did that have ended in divorce. Praise God for a church where our pastor, Dr. Roger Voegtlin, preaches what the Bible says about the home!

How can we show our thankfulness for our church?

~ Do you pray for your pastor and any staff your church has? How about your fellow members? We need to lift each other up in prayer. Remember what Samuel said: "God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you." 1 Samuel 12:23

~ Do you give:
~ of yourself, your time to help in ways needed in your church?
~ of your money? how will the work continue and grow if money doesn't come in? Can we say: "Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house." 1 Chronicles 29:3

~ Do you attend faithfully? "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:25
~ Jesus set the example for us: "And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read." Luke 4:16 This is something He did regularly...do we?

~ Is your testimony before the world right: would they want to come to your church if the way you conducted yourself was the only criteria they had by which to judge your church and your God? "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16

Maybe we should take extra time to thank God for our church, maybe send a note to our pastor thanking him for being a surrended servant and ministering to us.

What if your church wasn't there?

Why the name?

2007-08-24T10:02:00.000-07:00

I chose the name, The King's Daughter, because Psalm 45:13 has long been a favorite verse of mine. One day as I was reading it, it hit me ~ I am the King's daughter!!! Through faith in Jesus Christ, I have become a daughter of the King ~ a princess who is joint heir with the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 8:15-17 says, "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit
itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.").

How did this happen?

I was once an outcast ~ a slave to sin, headed for an eternity in the Lake of Fire. There was definitely nothing glorious within me! But one day I learned that there was a King who wanted to adopt me.

This adoption process didn't have to wend it's way through the court system. No ~ it was much quicker than that! And, unlike earthly adoptions, no-one can ever take me away from my Father the King, either!

How did I become a daughter of the King? How can you become a daughter of the King and be glorious within?

Each one of us has to realize that we are a sinner.
~ Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."
None of us can measure up to the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Lord of glory.

Sin entered the world through Adam.
~ Genesis 3 tells us how sin entered the world, through Adam's disobedience.
See http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=1&chapter=3&version=9
~ Romans 5:12 "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned."

The judgment of death is the result of sin.
~ Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death..."
~ Revelation 21:8 "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

But God didn't just end things in death!
~ Romans 5:8 "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
God showed His love for us by sending Jesus Christ to die for us. Wow ~ what love!
~ Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Imagine ~ God loved us so much, that, even though we have earned death because of our sins, He is offering us the gift of eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ.
~ Ephesians 2:8,9 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
God has offered us the gift of eternal life...there is nothing we can do to obtain it. It is freely given by God.
~ Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."
Our sins are a blot on our souls, sending us to an eternity in the Lake of Fire. But God wants to reason with us. Our sins can be cleansed ~ white as snow and wool!
~ John 1:12 "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."
Who is the him? Jesus Christ, the Son of God. You may believe He exists...but have you received Him as your Lord and Saviour?

Once I repented of my sins and turned to Christ to have those sins forgiven, I became the King's daughter, glorious within, sins washed away by the blood of the Lamb. How about you? Are you a child of the King? You can be.

Many little girls dream about being a princess when they grow up. As Christian ladies, we don't have to dream. We are princesses, because we are the King's daughters!

And so it begins...

2007-08-22T10:32:00.000-07:00

I have read and enjoyed other blogs, and have contemplated creating my own. Well, contemplation is over and reality has set in. My blog has been created. Now we shall see if anything interesting flows from my keys...