(Who And) What Are You Slaying (I Mean Saying) With Your Words?

Proverbs 18:21 tells us that death and life are in the power of the tongue.

Obviously, our mouths don't know how to speak right, life-giving things on their own. They require training. Proverbs 16:23 tells us that, if we are wise, we will "teach" our mouth and the only place we're going to find the truth to teach it is in God's Word (the Holy Bible).

God's Word in our mouths is the most powerful weapon that we have against the accuser. In fact, Hebrews 4:12 tells us that God's Word is stronger than any two-edged sword. The beauty is, that sword of truth can be used in any battle that we are engaged in at any time...even when the battle is within ourselves.

Isaiah 49:2 tells us, "He made my mouth like a sharp sword..."
We are to speak God's Word...over our life situations, over our families, and over ourselves!

But, keep in mind, words can be used on the wrong side of the battle line, too. Proverbs 12:18 says, "There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health."

What words are you saying with your mouth? Are you speaking life into the life situations that you face each day? Are you speaking health and healing into your family? Into yourself?

If not, begin to turn the situation around today by filling up on God's Word. Open it up, read it, and ask the Lord to speak to you through its pages. Then, purposefully, begin teaching your mouth to speak right words, declaring the goodness of God at every turn.

Until next time...

~Rebecca

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Expectations and What They Do to Our Relationships

I grew up in a family that tended to expect certain things from you and, whether or not you lived up to those expectations, determined, in the end, how you were treated.

If you lived up to an expectation, you were praised and doted upon; if you didn't disappointment in you...your thoughts...your actions...was expressed in every possible way...in speech, attitude, and mannerism...and sometimes the disappointment was expressed in various ways for hours, days, weeks, months, or, even, years later. Grudges were held and, sadly, many disappointments remained and were carried to the grave.

In years of late, I have come to realize that, in some areas, I am guilty of being the same way. It hurts my heart when I notice this type of behavior in my own life, or witness it in the lives of those I love. It's not intentional and I absolutely abhor it! 

Every single person, whether they acknowledge it or not, was created in the image of God, and has worth and value. Every single person has the need, and the right, to be loved and to be given grace and forgiveness when they need it...whether they deserve it or not. 

It hurts my heart when I see those within my own family (including myself), that, when they were the one in need of love, grace, and forgiveness, it was freely granted, but, yet, when it comes to others in the family that are in need, they withhold and refuse the very same. It's not right.  

I don't know who said it originally, but one of my favorite quotes came from Michelle Duggar. She said, "Expectations ruin relationships" and how true that is! It's not really people that we have a problem with. It's our expectations of them that keep so many of the wedges that separate us in place. 

Now, in this, I'm not saying that you have to put up with things within your own household that go against the principles by which you choose to live your life, but I do believe that if we stopped expecting everyone else to live up to our expectations, and try to meet them where they are...purposely choose to see that everyone is in a different place...physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually...in life, in skills, in thought processes...and we chose to come along side and help and encourage, instead of kicking everyone when they're down or disowning them because they're not living up to our place and skill level in life at the time, things would be much better and families (and every other relationship) would be much closer and times spent together would be more enjoyable.

Personally, I don't want ruined relationships. And when I'm gone I don't want to be remembered as a bitter and hard-hearted woman. My trust and hope should be in God...not people.

Therefore, it is with renewed determination that I vow to live by the Biblical mandates found in the following scriptures:

"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you: do ye even so to them..." (Matthew 7:12)

"Owe no man any thing, but to love one another..." (Romans 13:8)

"...let us not be weary in well doing..." (Galatians 6:9)

I pledge to be fiercely loyal to my husband (first), children and grands (second), all extended family members (third), and all others after that.

What about you? What are your expectations? What about others and their expectations of you?

If you're reading this and you've made some mistakes...if others have held high expectations of you and you've failed them...or, perhaps, you're the one who who has held high expectations of others and been left feeling disappointed, slighted, deprived, hurt, and angry...remember...every single person has value and worth. God so loved every single person that He sacrificed His Son for them (John 3:16). Do you realize that, if you had been the only person ever born, He still would have done the same just for YOU? That's how much God loves you! (And everyone else, too.) Now...whether we we choose to accept that sacrifice is up to us, but, still, Jesus bled and died for all and, according to His Word, it is God's will that all men should be saved (I Timothy 2:3-4). 

I don't know where you're at in all of this today, but I feel like this post is, not only for myself, for someone else out there. If you're reading this, and you feel that this message is for you, too, please, feel free to contact me privately so that I can stand in agreement in prayer with you for whatever you're facing. 

Until next time...
~Rebecca

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Passion Week - Jesus' Final Week (Reading Schedule)

As Passion Week approaches I am reminded of the many in-depth Bible studies that our family has done throughout the years concerning the "final week" in Jesus' life and all that it entailed. Here is a reading schedule that our youngest son and I followed several years ago that covers the Triumphal Entry through the Resurrection. My plan, starting this Sunday (Palm Sunday), is to follow this schedule myself as I focus my heart and mind on Holy Week and all that Jesus endured that final week of His life wrapped in human flesh for my sake and for yours. Would you like to join me?

Have a beautiful and blessed Passion Week!

Until next time...

~Rebecca

Sunday (Palm Sunday) - The Triumphal Entry

    Matthew 21:1-11

    Mark 11:1-10

    Luke 19:29-44    

    John 12:12-19

Monday - Jesus Curses The Fig Tree

    Matthew 21:18-19

    Mark 11:12-14

                     Jesus Cleanses The Temple

    Matthew 21:12-13

    Mark 11:15-18

    Luke 19:45-48

Tuesday - The Authority Of Jesus Questioned

    Matthew 21:23-27

    Mark 11:27-33

    Luke 20:1-8

                        Jesus Teaches In The Temple

    Matthew 21:18-23:29

    Mark 12:1-44

    Luke 20:9-21:4

                        Jesus' Feet Anointed

    Matthew 26:6-13

    Mark 14:3-9

    John 12:2-11

Wednesday - The Plot Against Jesus

    Matthew 26:14-16

    Mark 14:10-11

    Luke 22:3-6

Thursday - The Last Supper

    Matthew 26:17-29

    Mark 14:12-25

    Luke 22:7-23

    John 13:1-38

                      Jesus Comforts His Disciples

    John 14:1-16:33

                      Jesus' High Priestly Prayer

    John 17: 1-26

                      Gethsemane

    Matthew 26:36-46

    Mark 14:32-42

    Luke 22:40-46

Friday - Jesus' Arrest And Trial

    Matthew 26:47-27:26

    Mark 14:43-15:15

    Luke 22:47-23:25

    John 18:2-19:16

                        Jesus' Crucifixtion And Death

    Matthew  27:27-56

    Mark 15:16-41

    Luke 23:26-49

    John 19:17-30

                       The Burial Of Jesus

    Matthew 27:57-66

    Mark 15:42-47

    Luke  23:50-56

    John 19:31-42

Resurrection (Easter) Sunday -The Empty Tomb

    Matthew 28:1-8

    Mark 16:1-12

    Luke 24:1-12

    John 20:1-10

                           To Mary Magdalene In The Garden   

    Mark 16:9-11

    John 20:11-18

                           To Other Women

    Matthew 28:9-10

                            To Two People Going To Emmaus

    Mark 16:12-13

    Luke 24:13-32

                            To Peter

    Luke 24:34

                            To The Ten Disciples In  The Upper Room

    Mark 16:14

    Luke 24:36-43

    John 20:19-25

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Five Minute Friday - NEAR

Photo Credit

Five Minute Friday - a free write, which means, as our hostess, Kate Motaung, says, "...no editing, no over thinking no worrying about perfect grammar or punctuation. Just write."

This week's prompt is: NEAR

Go!

It's early. As I sit at my computer and prepare for this post the Christmas lights on the tiny tree twinkle merrily nearby as the row of lighted gingerbread men draped above the window smile in unison at me as, together, we greet the the first day of December 2017.

It's been a rough week. Strep. No work. Not much accomplished. And, now, here we are...family Christmas a week from tomorrow. So much to be done! With everything going on it would be so easy to say, "Forget it!" and sit this Christmas out. 

But would it? After all, Christmas isn't just a day. Christmas is a way of life. 

Christmas is the story of a babe in a manger. The story of the Light that He brought into this world. The Light that, in turn, brought the hope of salvation to us. 

That same Light is the Light that Satan has tried to extinguish throughout the ages, but, try as he might, that Light continues to shine forth. In fact, as the world around us grows darker, the Light of Jesus Christ continues to burn all the brighter in the hearts of men, women, and children around the world as, one by one, they acknowledge and accept the Christ child for Who He is...born of a virgin, laid in a manager, worshiped equally by angels, shepherds, and wise men alike. Without His birth, there would have been no death, no burial, and no glorious resurrection. No hope for us.

As Christmas and all the activities that surround it draws near, despite whatever situation you might find yourself in physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, or financially...don't lose heart. There is Light and there is hope!

Advent begins Sunday. If you've never celebrated Advent I'd like to challenge you to do so this year (and if you would like more information on some ways to do that, feel free to contact me). It's a marvelous way to focus on, draw near to, and celebrate the glorious Light of the world...Jesus!!! 

"...Jesus...said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will

never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12).

Stop!

Until next time... 

~Rebecca

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The Beauty of Jesus Revealed in the Feasts by Daniel Krebs and Darlene Schacht - A Review and Book Study Announcement

The Beauty of Jesus Revealed in the Feasts
by Daniel Krebs & Darlene Schacht
Photo Credit

Note - Post contains affiliate links.

I, not only had the privilege and honor, but also the blessing of proofreading and editing this book before it came out just a few short days ago, and I found the parallels between the Biblical feasts and the fulfillment of them in Christ Jesus absolutely fascinating! 

I appreciate the fact, too, that Pastor Krebs and Mrs. Schacht addressed the subject matter from a Biblical point of view, rather than what's often popular within the modern church of our day. This book is refreshing and will take you back to the foundations of our faith in a clear and concise way.

Beginning November 20, 2017, co-author, Darlene Schacht of Time-Warp Wife will be hosting a study over The Beauty of Jesus Revealed in the Feasts. For anyone who orders the book before November 10th, Mrs. Schacht is offering a free downloadable copy of the accompanying study guide! For details click HERE.

On her site Darlene Schacht writes....

To understand the holy days is to appreciate and recognize the heart of God. In The Beauty of Jesus Revealed in the Feasts, we take an in-depth look at the holy feasts set forth by the Lord Himself. You might be learning all of this for the first time, or you may already know how the life of Jesus and future world events are clearly expressed in the feasts. In any case, there are new things to learn each time we open God’s Word.

Here’s a brief overview of the 7 feasts that we’ll be discussing:

• Passover – Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross
• Feast of Unleavened bread – Jesus’ death and burial
• Feast of First Fruits – Jesus’ resurrection
• Feast of Weeks – The birth of the church
• The Feast of Trumpets – The rapture of the church
• The Day of Atonement – The tribulation period
• The Feast of Tabernacles – The physical return and reign of Jesus on the earth

When we dive deeper into studying these holy days, we discover some incredible truths that have been ingrained in the traditions of these special ceremonies that clearly point to the beauty of the Messiah.

FYI, there’s nothing girly about this book.  Pastor Dan and I ensured that it would be a great study for both men and women alike. So if you have a husband you want to study with or a small group from church–that’s perfect! I got to thinking that it would also be a great study for homeschooling at the high school level. And of course, it’s perfect for personal study as well. We dig deep into scripture, but it’s easy to follow. 

7-Week Study

Here’s the thing… our 7-week study is going to bring us right into the Christmas season. I wasn’t sure what to do about that. Would I wait until the new year, after you’ve waited so long already? Or, should we dig in before Christmas, take a break, and resume the study in January? After much thought and prayer, I’ve decided that God gave me this completion date for a reason, so I’m going to trust Him and start our study in just a couple of weeks.

So, we’ll begin on November 20th.

Passover – November 20th
Unleavened Bread – November 27th
First Fruits – December 4th
Feast of Weeks – December 11th
Feast of Trumpets – December 18th
Day of Atonement – January 2nd
Feast of Tabernacles – January 8th

For further details, please, visit Mrs. Schacht's site by clicking HERE.

Until next time... 

~Rebecca

Buy Here

Buy Here

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Welcome November!

Hello November

Good morning, Sweet Readers! And HAPPY NOVEMBER!

It's hard to believe that most of 2017 is behind us and that the holiday season is upon us again already! Where on earth does the time go? 😲

Yesterday finished up the Write 31 Days writing challenge and I was so glad to be a part of it. I don't know how good the subject matter was or how interesting the posts were, but it really did challenge me to stay on topic, and stay focused on putting something out every day. Now I don't want to lose the momentum. Not that I'll put something out every day, but the challenge definitely got me into the habit of blogging again and, for that, I am thankful!

Yesterday, of course, was Halloween and the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. We handed out candy and tracts to what few trick-or-treaters we had and watched Luther with Joseph Fiennes. After that we went over to our daughter and son-in-law's and watched KJB: The Book That Changed The World with John Rhys Davies. We had never seen it before and, must say, they did an excellent job with it. We got home and to bed late.

This morning for breakfast I made Trim Healthy Mama's Apple Cinnamon Swirl Muffins (page 280 of the THM Cookbook) and served them with Triple Zero vanilla yogurt on the side. I did change the recipe up a bit by adding the second half of the apple into the muffin mixture, rather than eating it on the side, and it was absolutely delicious! It was like eating apple pie for breakfast! 🍎 

Now...for the rest of the day. I don't have a lot planned. I do need to go help my neighbor with a project that she's got pending, then I think I'll go ahead and figure November's bills and get that out of the way. Then I'll get a jump on my fall cleaning as I look ahead to the holidays. 

Have a blessed day everyone! And enjoy your Wednesday!

Until next time,
~Rebecca 

P.S. - As we enter the holiday season, what is the one thing that you are looking forward to the most?

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Consider The Ant - Part 2

For those that are interested in a follow-up to Consider The Ant posted on July 2, 2017, here it is. To read Consider The Ant - Part 1 click here.

"Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways,and be wise: 

Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in 

the summer, and gatherereth her food in the harvest" 
(Proverbs 6:6-8).

I had e-mailed the company that I ordered the ants from on that Friday night (June 23rd) when they hadn't arrived after being mailed on Monday (June 19th). The company responded to my e-mail on Wednesday, July 5th. They said that they were sorry that the ants had been lost and that, if I still hadn't received them, they'd be happy to send me a replacement vile. 

I emailed them back and told them that the ants had arrived and in what condition. I also sent them the link to my blog post about the ants. 😉

They seemed delighted with the link and said that they were anxious to read the post. They also said that they were sending me a replacement vile of ants to make up for all that had happened to the first batch. 

I had to think about that for a bit. Did I really want to go through all this again? I mean...the whole reason I did it in the first place was for a program at work and that program was over and done with a long time ago. Buuuttttt...it would be interesting to enjoy the full experience of a working ant farm...so...yes, I told them that I would accept the ants. I just hoped that the second batch of ants would arrive faster and in better condition the first batch did! 

(By the way...we ended up referring to the first colony of ants as the "Roanoke Colony"...somehow it seemed fitting.)

By this time (July 5th) I was down to two ants and one of them wasn't doing very well at all. It had died by the next morning.

On Thursday, July 6th, careful to consider, and handle with care, the last remaining ant, I took the farm apart, cleaned it, and put it back together with fresh sand. By the next day (Friday, July 7th), sadly, the last ant had succumbed to the same fate as all her little companions. I nearly cried. 

On Monday, July 10th, the new vial of ants arrived and they were healthy and active! As soon as they got here I transferred them into their new habitat. One escaped and when I picked it up to put it back into the farm it promptly bit me. In fact, as I type this my finger is still hurting, burning, and swollen. Yowie! BUT...I'm so thankful that they are alive and well that I shall happily endure it! 😄

Fast forward to early morning on Tuesday, July 11th...

Less than 24 hours after arriving, here's where we are...

We are now the proud owners of a thriving, working ant farm that we can enjoy for weeks to come. During that time it is my goal to observe and to continue to log lessons learned as we, with joy, "consider the ant" and, hopefully, be wiser for doing so. 

Until next time...
~Rebecca

Related post:

Consider The Ant

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