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Monday, December 31, 2012

Suck It Facebook


"Among the many misdeeds of British rule in India, history will look upon the Act depriving a whole nation of arms as the blackest." - Mohandas Gandhi, an Autobiography, page 446.


Saturday, December 29, 2012

Films For Action - Online Documentaries

http://www.filmsforaction.org/walloffilms/
http://www.facebook.com/filmsforaction

Watch over 400 of the best social change documentaries free to watch online, all via one massive wall of films on a single page.

One click beyond this magical wall of films, everything has been cataloged and sorted into 42 different learning themes and is searchable and sortable by highest rated, most viewed, and newest added.


Friday, December 28, 2012

Book Review - W1CK by Michael Bunker


Such an easy and page turning read!



Clay Richter was walking home to his old farmstead for reasons not fully formulated or understood.  Hurricane Sandy having just swept through and showing the thin facade of civility around him was just the tipping point.  Thoughts of his wife and daughters haunt him.  Others he meets along the way heading various directions helping him to hash out his thoughts and purpose.

A simple walk to his farm..... turns into a life changing and life defining journey for us all.

Lately, I don't get much reading time with my four small children, outside of their school books.  But I found this story really drawing and every free moment that I had, I pulled it out, sunk in and enjoyed it.

I can't WAIT to read the sequel, The Last Pilgrims (loosely the unofficial basis for Revolutions, I've heard ;) ).




You can purchase W1CK, Kindle Edition for .99 from Amazon – Click Here!

Book Bomb To Be Annnounced....

You can purchase The Last Pilgrims from Amazon too – Click Here!

Other Michael Bunker Books:
Surviving Off Off Grid (Read and LOVED)
The Beard (I think this might be a great gift for my husband, lol)

Visit Michael Bunker’s Websites:
A Process Driven Life
The Last Pilgrims
Surviving Off Off Grid



Thursday, December 20, 2012

Our Responsibility To Our Children


So heartbreaking to hear this father speak of his son's murder, and to acknowledge the part he played in it.  He paid such a horrible price for such a common mistake.  I weep to think of his pain and loss.

While many point their fingers every which direction.... they ignore what this man knows.  It was his responsibility to keep his son safe.  And he didn't.

I do not give a free pass to the people who committed these murders.  And I do not want to cause any more grief for parents who have suffered such horrendous loss.

But, ultimately the responsibility for our children's well being falls to us, the parents.  They are given to us by God with strict instructions, to teach them (Exodus 18:20Deuteronomy 6:7), love them (Titus 2:4), comfort them (1 Thessalonians 2:11).... and protect (Esther 8:11) them.

But society tells us that isn't 'normal' or in the 'best interests of the child.'  Instead we are told to ship them off daily to a local government run facility where licensed educators will teach them approved humanistic curricula, track their progress and judge their ability to function in society when they become adults.

I cannot endorse the call to keep prayer and bible reading in school.  They have no business teaching my child how to pray and to whom.  They have no business promoting one religion or any.... And I include atheism in this, as it is a belief regarding a higher power, that being none, and secular humanism, being the worship of the human being.  I would not want them teaching Islam, Buddhism or any of the numerous and very different denominations of Christianity.

I cannot endorse having the schools monitored by armed guards and metal detectors, subject to invasive searches and seizures at whim.  I do not want my children to be forced into what equals an occupied ghetto daily, laying down any sense of freedom and security each time they head to school.

I cannot endorse the call take away the rights of gun owners across America.  Gun owners across America did not wrong me or these little ones.  Each man is guilty of his own crime.  And I do not want millions across America to be as defenseless as these children were in the face of evil.  Evil won't be stopped by gun laws and will, in fact, become more rampant and brazen in the wake of disarmament of their victims.

But I strongly urge, plead, and ask you.....

Why don't you homeschool your children?

Maybe it isn't 'free' like public school.  The costs of homeschooling vary from family to family, ranging from complete free curriculum to several hundred dollar packages per grade level.  You can find something that will work for your family and budget.  I would gladly help anyone with questions and most homeschoolers would be as well.



Maybe it isn't as 'easy' as shuffling them off on the school bus in the morning.  But I get to sleep in until 7 or 8 most mornings and can accomplish our 'schooling' while in my pj's before noon most days.

Maybe it isn't 'convenient' like having a babysitter every weekday from 8-3 while you have that second income, or free time for personal endeavors.  I choose to enjoy every moment with my children.  I don't really have 'personal projects' right now.  Instead we have 'family projects' which can be turned into educational experiences usually.  Sewing, Canning, Chicken Raising, Blogging.... all educational experiences.

And I love it.

But most importantly, this is what you are called to do by the word. Teach, Exhort, Cherish.....

What are you willing to do to ensure the success and security of your children?

How many of Columbine's or Sandy Hook's parents wish they had considered that option just one more time?



***

Liked this rain soaked ranting from La Soñador?  Visit La Sonador's Store!


and

Check out these similar posts.....


La Soñador ~: Why Do I Homeschool? - Many times I have been asked, "Why do you homeschool?" I understand that for many, the thought of homeschooling their children never occurred to them. Public schooling is so normalized, so convenient, so status quo.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Kitty Werthmann Survived Hitler - Warning to America



“Totalitarianism didn’t come quickly, it took 5 years from 1938 until 1943, to realize full dictatorship in Austria. Had it happened overnight, my countrymen would have fought to the last breath. Instead, we had creeping gradualism. Now, our only weapons were broom handles. The whole idea sounds almost unbelievable that the state, little by little eroded our freedom.”
Read more: http://blog.beliefnet.com/on_the_front_lines_of_the_culture_wars/2011/04/she-survived-hitler-and-wants-to-warn-america.html#ixzz2FW8KKc2T



***

Liked this rain soaked ranting from La Soñador?  Check out these similar posts.....


La Soñador ~: Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn - A Man Who Refused To Go ... - To learn more about Alexandr Solzhenitsyn You can start here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aleksandr_Solzhenitsyn.


Paratus Familia Blog: Thoughts From a Russian Immigrant - Throughout history, people have always needed a place to go when things got too bad at home...our next place to go is off the planet(to quote Yakko and Wakko Warner, "It's a Great, Big Universe"). We should have already ...

Monday, December 17, 2012

I Carry A Gun Because....

Right-Winged Birds of Pray
‎"I do not carry a firearm because it is my right. I do not carry because I am afraid. I do not carry because I am paranoid, and I don't carry because I am trying to make a statement. I am not being political, and I am not being religious. I do not carry a gun because I want to frighten, intimidate, or kill. I carry a gun because there is genuine evil in this world. I carry a gun because most people are not equipped to deal with that evil. I carry a gun because the police mostly respond to crime, they do not prevent it. I carry a gun because there are some that can not defend themselves. Some threats are too fearsome, too strong, and too evil. I carry a gun because I am willing to stand between you and that evil. I carry a gun, expecting that someday I may have to use it, and praying that I will never have to."
- Author Unknown

My Thoughts on Weekly Bible Reading ~ Genesis 10-11 Part II

As I read the story of the Tower of Babel, I must admit.... I don't really understand it.  I do not read any clear explanation as to why it was 'wrong' to build the tower.  I do not know exactly what God was so concerned about.

Honestly, it isn't like they would actually get that tower built up to heaven and storm the gates.

I do however notice some real similarities between those who built the Tower of Babel, and those who are 'building' our society today.

All the people gathered together to dwell in one place, the valley of Shinar, to build their city and the infamous tower.  While there are now 7 billionish people in the world today, a majority of them have gathered together into the cities.

All the people spoke one language and joined together to accomplish their goal.  The world population today speaks many languages, but we are moving closer and closer to having a global economy, a global government and very likely some manner of a global language or even Babelfish to translate anything on the spot for clearer communication.

And.... perhaps this is the real crux of the matter.... all the people were doing what they 'the people' wanted. The world today is full of people who do what they 'the people' want.

They are not concerned with what God wants.

The people, then and now, are concerned with only their own desires and wishes.  They join together for a sense of security, they build systems that depend on each other for their needs.  And they 'forget' the Lord.

Deuteronomy 8:11-17 says,
11 “Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today, 12 lest—when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them; 13 and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; 14 when your heart is lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; 15 who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, in which were fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty land where there was no water; who brought water for you out of the flinty rock; 16 who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do you good in the end— 17 then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.'

Each family no longer grows their own food, depending on the Lord for the rains in their season, no longer working the land to build fertile and healthy soil.  They now go to grocery stores, stocked by menial laborers, supplied by lowly transporters, from subsidized, mono-culture, genetically modified, pesticide laden farms.

Each family no longer maintains their own health, relying on the biblical values of healthy living, working for your food, using the God given medicinal herbs, and believing in the word when it says, "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord," in James 5:14.  They now go and pour out money to men with the titles of "Doctor" and "Pharmacist" and fill their bellies with pharmacological potions and chemicals with more side effects than benefits.

Each family no longer secures their own safety, being courageous, brave and maintaining a righteous and humble lifestyle so that the Lord Himself will defend them.  They now lay down all their singular freedoms and pay extortion fees to any government official that asks for it, with minimal promises of 'protection.'

Each family no longer works for their own at all.  Each man and woman is expected to leave the home most days and labor in those menial service jobs around their cities, and earning fake money printed on paper, which they need to buy all those meaningless trinkets and entertainments advertised on any and every surface. Each child is expected to attend public, government schools, learning how to be the next generation of good drones that never question the status quo but continue to slave away for mammon.

I think... perhaps the Tower of Babel was not in itself the problem at all.  But the hearts of the people, which were turned in ANY direction but towards HIM.

2 Samuel 22:31 says,
As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

And Psalm 4:5 says,
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in the LORD.

Proverbs 3:5-7 says,
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.

The good news today is.... It is not too late.... RETURN TO HIM! COME OUT OF BABYLON!  COME OUT!!

2 Corinthians 6:17-18 says,
17 Therefore
“Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.”
18 “I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the Lord Almighty.”


And here we see the BEAUTIFUL promise for those that return to Him.

Deuteronomy 30
The Blessing of Returning to God
30 “Now it shall come to pass, when all these things come upon you, the blessing and the curse which I have set before you, and you call them to mind among all the nations where the Lord your God drives you, 2 and you return to the Lord your God and obey His voice, according to all that I command you today, you and your children, with all your heart and with all your soul, 3 that the Lord your God will bring you back from captivity, and have compassion on you, and gather you again from all the nations where the Lord your God has scattered you. 4 If any of you are driven out to the farthest parts under heaven, from there the Lord your God will gather you, and from there He will bring you. 5 Then the Lord your God will bring you to the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it. He will prosper you and multiply you more than your fathers. 6 And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.
7 “Also the Lord your God will put all these curses on your enemies and on those who hate you, who persecuted you. 8 And you will again obey the voice of the Lord and do all His commandments which I command you today. 9 The Lord your God will make you abound in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your body, in the increase of your livestock, and in the produce of your land for good. For the Lord will again rejoice over you for good as He rejoiced over your fathers, 10 if you obey the voice of the Lord your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which are written in this Book of the Law, and if you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
The Choice of Life or Death
11 “For this commandment which I command you today is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off. 12 It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend into heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ 13 Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ 14 But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.
15 “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, 16 in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess. 17 But if your heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them, 18 I announce to you today that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to go in and possess. 19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; 20 that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”




***

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La Soñador ~: My Thoughts on Weekly Bible Reading ~ Genesis 10-11 - My Thoughts on Weekly Bible Reading ~ Genesis 10-11 Part I. It can seem quite tedious when reading the generations of so and so, begat so and so, begat so and so. Many times you may feel the urge to skip these sections, ...

La Soñador ~: My Thoughts on My Weekly Bible Reading ~ Genesis 6-9 - I wrote this article in 2002/2003 which was posted at the time on my online ministry site. It is not up and running at this time, though I consider from time to time to ...

La Soñador ~: My Thoughts on My Weekly Bible Reading ~ Genesis 4-5 - Most Bible Story books made for children skip the story of Cain and Abel. I understand some of the reasons for this. The story is pretty dark, hatred and murder of one's ...

La Soñador ~: My Thoughts on My Weekly Bible Reading ~ Genesis 3 - I love the Lord. I have found His word to be wise, discerning, and the Holy Spirit has guided my turning of those pages on many occasions when I did not know what to ...

La Soñador ~: My Thoughts on My Weekly Bible Reading ~ Genesis 1-2 - I am always astounded as I consider the creation of the Universe. And I am always astounded when I study the word of the creator of that Universe. Some basics first.

Weekly Bible Reading ~ Genesis 11-18 ~ Abraham, Part I



Our Homeschool focuses on a section of scripture at a time.  I will share the resources I use for my own personal bible study and those I use to help my children understand and enjoy the bible story.

Genesis 11-18 - Abraham, Part I


NKJV Genesis 11-18
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2011-18&version=NKJV

Sacred Name Bible Genesis 11-18
http://www.sacrednamebible.com/B01C011.htm
http://www.sacrednamebible.com/B01C012.htm
http://www.sacrednamebible.com/B01C013.htm
http://www.sacrednamebible.com/B01C014.htm
http://www.sacrednamebible.com/B01C015.htm
http://www.sacrednamebible.com/B01C016.htm
http://www.sacrednamebible.com/B01C017.htm
http://www.sacrednamebible.com/B01C018.htm

Hebrew Interlinear for Hebrew Scriptures Genesis 11-18
http://www.scripture4all.org/OnlineInterlinear/Hebrew_Index.htm

Matthew Henry Commentary on Genesis
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/?action=getBookSections&cid=18&source=2

Printables, Coloring and Notebooking Pages
http://thecraftyclassroom.com/blog/2011/11/01/bible-printables-abraham/
http://www.christianpreschoolprintables.com/Abraham.html
http://www.dltk-bible.com/genesis/abraham-activities.htm
http://pinterest.com/nikki_renee/bible-abraham/
http://pinterest.com/djac123/bible-abraham-for-kids/
http://pinterest.com/fmollohan/bible-abraham/
http://pinterest.com/melissacking/famous-characters-of-the-bible/
http://www.biblestoryprintables.com/BiblePrintablesAbraham.html
http://thepelsers.com/2012/10/18/free-notebooking-printables-abraham-and-joseph/
http://www.coloring.ws/abraham.htm

Videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbPJgVWPpPM - Bible in Animation - Abraham
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrrkkONdwBI - The Bible Series - Abraham - Full Movie

I also utilize several children's bible story books.









***

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La Soñador ~: Weekly Bible Reading ~ Genesis 3 ~ Adam And Eve
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La Soñador ~: Weekly Bible Reading ~ Genesis 4-5 ~ Cain and Abel
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La Soñador ~: Weekly Bible Reading ~ Genesis 6-9 ~ Noah's Ark
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La Soñador ~: Weekly Bible Reading ~ Genesis 10-11
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Monday, December 10, 2012

Canning Jar Label Generator - FREE



Just found a free canning jar label generator online.  http://www.jamlabelizer.com/

I love it and just may attack my unlabeled canned goods with it this week......

Friday, December 7, 2012

History of Hanukkah

Hanukkah Songs









BLESSINGS on the hand of women!


BLESSINGS on the hand of women!
Angels guard its strength and grace.
In the palace, cottage, hovel,
Oh, no matter where the place;
Would that never storms assailed it,
Rainbows ever gently curled,
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.

Infancy’s the tender fountain,
Power may with beauty flow,
Mothers first to guide the streamlets,
From them souls unresting grow—
Grow on for the good or evil,
Sunshine streamed or evil hurled,
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.

Woman, how divine your mission,
Here upon our natal sod;
Keep—oh, keep the young heart open
Always to the breath of God!
All true trophies of the ages
Are from mother-love impearled,
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.

Blessings on the hand of women!
Fathers, sons, and daughters cry,
And the sacred song is mingled
With the worship in the sky—
Mingles where no tempest darkens,
Rainbows evermore are hurled;
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.

by William Ross Wallace


Thank you to We Home School for sharing this poem.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

My Thoughts on Weekly Bible Reading ~ Genesis 10-11 Part I

It can seem quite tedious when reading the generations of so and so, begat so and so, begat so and so.  Many times you may feel the urge to skip these sections, and bemoan that they are in the bible at all.  After all, "What do these people mean to me?"

Of course, you may not realize it... but in that question is an amazing answer.

They may mean nothing at all to you.

But to God.... they mean something.  They mean a lot.

You see.... as you live out your life here on earth, day by day, hour by hour, sometimes, minute by excruciating minute, your every prayer is heard, your every breath numbered, and your every tear collected.

God knows you intimately.  And He loves you enough to die to be with you.

And God knew each and every single one of these so and so's as well.  Those names are written in the scriptures because He knew them, their daily struggles, successes, prayers and dreams.

While the bible includes only the names of the firstborn sons for the most part, we should also remember that these sons grew into men, had wives, and many children whose names are not known to us.  These generations passed before the eyes of the Lord.  Mothers praying for their babies to be born healthy and strong, fathers praying for the Lord to help them teach these wild, bright eyed children, young girls praying for a good man to marry them, young men praying for the Lord to provide for his growing family.

And that is really what the word is telling us when He lists the generations.

Remember He is sometimes called the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob?

Yahveh is a God of FAMILY!

Just as He calls us to be HIS children, He also shows us a mighty circle of Love in the Family Unit.  The man loves the woman, who loves the baby, who loves the woman, who loves the man.  Add a child, and the love grows.  Add the children's children, and the love grows.

Consider your own family.  Your babies are precious to you.  Your parents (I understand there can be exceptions) are loved by you, and love you.  Your grandparents are loved by you, and they also love you.  Before them, their parents loved them.  Each member hoping and dreaming, and hopefully, praying for each other.  The love grows.

So next time you read that Mizraim begat Ludim.....
Be comforted.  God loves you and you are MUCH MORE than just a so and so to HIM.


***

Liked this rain soaked ranting from La Soñador?  Check out these similar posts.....

La Soñador ~: My Thoughts on My Weekly Bible Reading ~ Genesis 6-9 - I wrote this article in 2002/2003 which was posted at the time on my online ministry site. It is not up and running at this time, though I consider from time to time to ...

La Soñador ~: My Thoughts on My Weekly Bible Reading ~ Genesis 4-5 - Most Bible Story books made for children skip the story of Cain and Abel. I understand some of the reasons for this. The story is pretty dark, hatred and murder of one's ...

La Soñador ~: My Thoughts on My Weekly Bible Reading ~ Genesis 3 - I love the Lord. I have found His word to be wise, discerning, and the Holy Spirit has guided my turning of those pages on many occasions when I did not know what to ...

La Soñador ~: My Thoughts on My Weekly Bible Reading ~ Genesis 1-2 - I am always astounded as I consider the creation of the Universe. And I am always astounded when I study the word of the creator of that Universe. Some basics first.


Weekly Bible Reading ~ Genesis 10-11 ~ Generations and The Tower of Babel


Our Homeschool focuses on a section of scripture at a time.  I will share the resources I use for my own personal bible study and those I use to help my children understand and enjoy the bible story.

Genesis 10 - Generations and The Tower of Babel


NKJV Genesis 10-11

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2010-11&version=NKJV

Sacred Name Bible Genesis 10-11
http://www.sacrednamebible.com/B01C010.htm

http://www.sacrednamebible.com/B01C011.htm


Hebrew Interlinear for Hebrew Scriptures Genesis 10-11
http://www.scripture4all.org/OnlineInterlinear/Hebrew_Index.htm

Matthew Henry Commentary on Genesis
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/?action=getBookSections&cid=18&source=2

Printables
http://biblestoryprintables.com/blog/2011/03/25/tower-of-babel-printables/
http://www.dltk-bible.com/old_testament/tower_of_babel-worksheets.htm

Coloring Pages
http://coloring.thecolor.com/color/images/Tower-Of-Babel.gif
http://children.pfcblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Copy-of-towerofbabel3.jpg
http://www.edupics.com/coloring-page-tower-of-babel-i25960.html

Videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZDfzArL42I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxAOxIL4x00

My Thoughts
http://blog.lasonador.com/2012/12/my-thoughts-on-weekly-bible-reading.html - My Thoughts on Weekly Bible Reading ~ Genesis 10-11 Part I
http://blog.lasonador.com/2012/12/my-thoughts-on-weekly-bible-reading_17.html - My Thoughts on Weekly Bible Reading ~ Genesis 10-11 Part II

I also utilize several children's bible story books.











***

Liked this rain soaked ranting from La Soñador?  Check out these similar posts.....

La Soñador ~: Weekly Bible Reading ~ Genesis 1-2 ~ Creation
Our Homeschool focuses on one bible story each week. I will share the resources I use for my own personal bible study and those I use to help my children understand and ...


La Soñador ~: Weekly Bible Reading ~ Genesis 3 ~ Adam And Eve
Our Homeschool focuses on one bible story each week. I will share the resources I use for my own personal bible study and those I use to help my children understand and ...


La Soñador ~: Weekly Bible Reading ~ Genesis 4-5 ~ Cain and Abel
Our Homeschool focuses on one bible story each week. I will share the resources I use for my own personal bible study and those I use to help my children understand ...

La Soñador ~: Weekly Bible Reading ~ Genesis 6-9 ~ Noah's Ark
Our Homeschool focuses on one bible story each week. I will share the resources I use for my own personal bible study and those I use to help my children understand and ...



Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Hitting The Pantry

Since early summer our grocery budget has been close to nothing.  At first this was quite depressing to me.  Every evening as dinner approached I would stare in my pantry like I was utterly lost....which I was.  Meals came together by prayer alone.

I had no idea how to make my 'stored goods' into 'edible meals.'

Do you?????

I learned some really important things, about myself, food storage, and the providence of the lord during this time.

At first, of course, I still made meals I was very familiar with.  Breakfast consisted of oatmeal or eggs.  Lunch and dinner was spaghetti, stir fry, burritos, chili or baked chicken.

But it wasn't long before.... There were no more oats, no more tortillas, no more canned tomatoes or sauce, no more chicken.  The hens stopped laying due to stress from raccoons.  The garden did not produce much of anything.

I learned to make new meals, (recipes below).  My family learned to be thankful for a warm, filling, simple meal instead of processed, store bought, preservative filled 'foods.'

Then a dear neighbor began providing my family with milk!  This was a huge blessing to us with our growing kiddoes.  When we had excess, we tried our hand at farm cheese.  It was a wonderful addition to our meals.

I also began to glean.  In my local area we have a great online tool, Freecycle.  I was able to ask this local email group for unwanted fruits and veggies as the harvest season was coming to an end.  I was able to get local apples from several different neighbors.  And a large quantity of zucchini was added to our pantry.

I learned a few years ago that zucchini lasts several months in storage as long as the skin is undamaged.  So I did not hesitate to take as much zucchini as was offered.  Besides, we LOVE zucchini!

Due to the timing of my pregnancy I missed my opportunity to glean local pumpkins and walnuts which were also available.

My mother in law hosted thanksgiving and gave us the left over turkey and carcass.  We were able to get many quarts of rich, thick broth canned from this.

When some grocery money was finally available my attitude towards shopping had changed drastically.  Our diet has changed drastically. But I think we are moving in the right direction.  Our meals are now more 'sustainable,' made from ingredients we can grow ourselves or get locally.  And we are so much less dependent on grocery stores.

While many families use 'meal planning' to make their grocery lists, I simply reassessed my food storage.  What had we used up, and what did we need to maintain our nutritious and simple meals?

Here are some recipes that we have learned to enjoy and now rely on.

Cream of Wheat
  Grind wheat berries until desired consistency.  I like little chunks, but my kids liked it smoother. Mix into 2 parts boiling milk and bring back to a boil until it is the desired thickness.  As it cools it will thicken more.  Season with desired spices and sweetener.

Sauteed Zucchini With Rice
  Saute zucchini slices in butter.  Add tomatoes if desired.  Add salt and pepper.  Serve with prepared rice.

Soup Du'jour
  Saute one chopped onion in butter or other fat.  Add broth and/or water.  Add any desired vegetables and meat.  Add salt and pepper.  Most days I used potatoes as a base.  My husband also liked additional onions added at the end as well because he liked them crunchy.  You can also add rice or noodles.  Think 'THICK.'

Quick Rolls
  Mix 2tbsp yeast, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/3 cup oil, and 1 1/4 cups hot water. Let rest 15 mins.  Add 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 3-4 cups flour.  Knead.  Form 12-15 balls as and place in greased pan.  Bake 20 minutes at 400 degrees.  This dough make delicious cinnamon rolls if you have sugar and cinnamon.

I am now planting some herb and lettuce seeds in the hope of having a little indoor, winter garden. I eagerly look forward to next years growing season.

In conclusion, I am grateful for this opportunity to learn to feed my family without depending on the grocery store.  Consider your habits and supplies now, while you can.  Consider how you will feed and care for yourself and loved ones, in the event that the grocery store is simply not an option.

You will be glad you did.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Why Would A Christian Say No To Christmas?

I love the Lord.

And I love my family.

And I did love Christmas.  I loved the lights, the pretty ribbons and glass baubles, the music, the movies, and yes....the gift giving and receiving.


Until I read these words.....

“Tomorrow there will be a festival to YHWH.”

Sounds good right?  Get together, worship god, have a grand time....

But God said, "Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them."
Why?  What was He angry about???

To find out, you need to read the whole of Exodus 32.  Most will be familiar with the basic story line.

Moses went up the mountain to talk to God.
People down below made a golden image, cavorted, feasted.
God was furious.

But the point most miss is that they were trying to worship God.  They had seen the ways that the Egyptians worshipped their gods and tried those methods to please their God.

But it was detestable to Him.

What does this have to do with Christmas?

Christmas is built upon pagan deity worship and filled with pagan symbolism and practices.

Most Christians are aware of this, and dismiss it, rationalizing that it doesn't have 'that meaning' to them, so God won't care.


The decorating of a tree -  Jeremiah 10:3-5
The nativity scene - Exodus 20:4
Santa Claus - http://www.wnd.com/2008/11/81784/

Deuteronomy 12:30-31
“When the Lord your God cuts off from before you the nations which you go to dispossess, and you displace them and dwell in their land, take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’ You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way; for every abomination to the Lord which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods.

By researching Yule, you will find that the pagans keep this 'holiday' as well, with nearly exact trappings.

"Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.”

The article that opened my eyes.... http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2011/11/why-weve-decided-to-stop-celebrating-christmas/

To learn more see….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8sKNOxyd8w&t=1s


Do you want to worship the Lord?  Do you want to celebrate, feast, and revel in Him?

I suggest you look into HIS feasts and holy days.  After all, He freed the Israelites from slavery to Egypt to worship Him.  And He freed us from slavery to sin to worship Him.  We just need to find out what 'worship' is pleasing to Him first.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Biblical Holy Days - The Feast of Dedication and Lights

I love history!  And that makes the celebration of Hanukkah particularly exciting to me!!  In reality, all the biblical feasts have such historical significance and a rich tapestry of meaning.  But the history of Hanukkah, also known as the Feast of Dedication and the Festival of Lights, is particularly fascinating to me.

The basic story is that around 167 BCE Antiochus was ruler over Israel.  He replaced the High Priest, took the holy items from the temple and had swine sacrificed inside the temple, defiling it in an outrageous display of hatred towards the Israelites and their God.

Family of the true High Priest and others joined and drove out this oppressor.  The temple now had to be cleansed and purified.  This was a process that took seven days.  But they only had enough oil to light the lights for one....

They proceeded in faith and prayer.  Miraculously the oil burned for eight days, at which point they had new oil prepared for the temple.

I encourage you to read the history from other sources, as I just skimmed the barest surface of it here.  I was blessed to have sat in on a college lecture on this historical event and it is STILL vivid and amazing to me.

It reminds me of two important lessons that Followers of Yeshua must build our lives upon.

1.  Our worship of Yahweh is non-negotiable.  WE must make it a priority.  We also need to approach it THRU the Torah, to make a 'pleasing aroma' to Him.

2.  When we proceed in faithful worship of Yahweh, HE will meet our needs.

The bible has a few stories where oil played a prominent role....

Such as the maidens who were waiting for their master's return.  Five maidens let their wicks burn out and ran out of oil before he came, Five maidens kept their wicks low and had oil when he came.
And the story of the widow who made bread for Elijah from her last bit of flour and oil.
And the story of the prostitute who saved and saved to purchase costly oil, only to pour it out on Yeshua's feet.

Oil is an integral part of life.  We need fats regularly in our diets.  It is a staple, albeit in small quantities, in many foods, such as bread and broth.  It can be used to light and heat our homes.  It can be used to power our vehicles.

If we consider oil to be 'that which we need daily,' we can learn much from this story.

We all need food and shelter.

1 Timothy 6:6-8 says, "Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content."

We all have concerns for our well being and future.

Matthew 6:25-34 says, "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
“So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

But when we step out in faith, and give.... even that little that we have....

Mark 12:42-44 says, "Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”"

We will receive His reward....

Matthew 25:21 says, "His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’"


Here are some links where you can learn more about this holiday and how it is celebrated....

http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Holidays/Winter_Holidays/Chanukah/chanukah.html

http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday7.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanukkah

And here is where Yeshua was celebrating the Feast of Dedication and when approached by the Pharisees, told them He was the Son of Elohiym. - John 10:22-39

This year's Feast of Dedication begins this Saturday!


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La Soñador ~: Why Would A Christian Say No To Christmas? - “Tomorrow there will be a festival to YHWH.” Sounds good right? Get together, worship god, have a grand time.... But God said, "Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them." Why ...

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