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In This IssueJanuary, 2008, Volume 14.1
"I wait for the Lord, my soul doth
wait, and in His word do I hope." Psalm 130:5 Letter From The EditorGet strength for the journey... |
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"Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient; whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." 1 Peter 2:1-10
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Letter from the
Editor... As we begin a new year, let us be reminded that if we are to survive the trials and tribulations that may come our way, then we must have the one thing that only our Lord can give--hope. Hope pulls us through when we can go no further. Hope gives us a reason to press on. Hope is our stay when the way looks bleak. When doubts and discouragement are your mainstay in life, then remember there is hope in Him. We will learn how our Lord is able to sustain us by studying the story of Elijah.
IN THIS ISSUE
| Musings |
| Gathering Strength for the New Year |
| Grandmother's Scrapbook |
| Home School Tips |
| Thought Provokers |
| Recipe Corner |
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Copyright © 2008 by
Linda G. Hull
ELIJAH: THE MAN WHO LOST HIS HOPE
"Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption." Psalm 130:7
If you are struggling with situations and circumstances that are out of control in your life, you may be losing hope. Life is tough and sometimes it appears there are no solutions to the problems that beset us.
You may ask...
What hope is there?
Why should we even try to continue on?
Where is His mercy and His grace?
Sometimes we think...
The Lord's work is too hard.
The Lord is not with us.
He has forgotten us, and is withholding His power.
We don't feel His presence or His love.
It seems natural to believe that things can't get better. God knows your situation and He wants you to know that He has not forgotten you. We can take comfort in the story of Elijah, a great prophet who ministered during the reign of King Ahab in Israel. You may remember that a prophet is one who speaks God's message by divine inspiration. If Elijah had a moment where he became discouraged and lost hope, then recovered, then we too can take heart. God doesn't want us to quit. He wants us to continue on, trusting Him to get us through. He is sufficient as Elijah discovered.
Here's Elijah's story...
Elijah was a rugged man, described as one who was hairy and wore a leather girdle and of course his mantle. Elijah's message to the tribes of Israel was a call to return to the worship of the Lord God Jehovah. The people had left the Lord their God to worship other gods. In fact King Ahab and his wife Jezebel took idol worship to a new level when they built a temple to Baal, a Canaanite god, in an attempt to supplant the worship of the Lord. This was a terrible wickedness against our Lord, and caused much misery to His people who had been worshipping Baal along with the Lord God Jehovah. Now King Ahab and Jezebel were trying to remove from Israel all that pertained to the Lord. The people didn't seem to care. Previous kings had already conditioned them to accept compromises in their worship. They had become used to violating God's Law and were comfortable with the sin they indulged in. Everybody was doing it! They figured it was acceptable to worship all gods rather than to keep themselves from idols as the Lord had commanded. They failed to understand that the Lord God Jehovah is a jealous god and shares His glory with no one. Their actions demonstrated their belief that all worship was acceptable, especially if you include the Lord God. They had forgotten that there is but one god, the Lord God Jehovah.
Consequently, the land was experiencing a terrible drought. The Lord had not sent rain. Crops and animals were dying, and the people were becoming desperate due to the great famine. Rather than accept that sin had brought the Lord's judgment, King Ahab was angry with Elijah, thinking he was to blame, since he prophesied of the coming drought.
"And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, as the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word." 1 Kings 17:1
These were words of doom that King Ahab did not want to believe, but the Lord kept His word. The drought and resulting famine proved Elijah's words to be true. Jezebel too bore a grudge against Elijah and those who believed as Elijah did. She hoped that by silencing God's prophets that the truth would not come to pass. It is interesting that she was so insecure in her beliefs that she felt that she had to destroy those who spoke the Lord's words. But God preserved a remnant. A governor of Ahab's house named Obadiah rescued a hundred of the Lord's prophets and hid them in a cave to keep them from being killed.
Elijah in the meantime weathered the drought and famine with a widow and her son in Zarephath. She was poor and had nothing but a small cruse of oil and a little flour to eat, but God miraculously supplied all they needed to survive during this dreadful time. How long did the oil and flour last? Approximately three years! They simply never ran out!
"For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, the barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth. And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days. And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which he spake by Elijah." 1 Kings 17:14-16
Three years later...
The Lord commanded Elijah to go to King Ahab to tell him that He was going to send rain.
"And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the Lord came to Elijah in the third year, saying, go, show thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth. And Elijah went to show himself unto Ahab. And there was a sore famine in Samaria." 1 Kings 18:1-2
Along the way, Elijah meets Obadiah and instructs him to set up a meeting with King Ahab.
"So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him: and Ahab went to meet Elijah. And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah that Ahab said unto him, art thou he that troubleth Israel? And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim. Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto Mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table." I Kings 18:16-19
King Ahab agreed to meet Elijah, probably because the need for rain was so desperate. How King Ahab must have chaffed to have to talk to Elijah. He still did not believe that the Lord was executing judgment because of their sin, and only He could lift the drought. Elijah understood the nature of the problem, and he knew the solution. He exhorted the people to turn to the Lord God Jehovah, and set up a test to prove the Lord.
"And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the Lord; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men. Let them therefore give us two bullocks: and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and call ye on the name of your gods, but put no fire under.
Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to prove their god! The prophets of Baal did as Elijah commanded, for they had everything to gain by proving the realty of their gods, having no love for the Lord God Jehovah. Interestingly, the people stood silent waiting to see what would happen. Did they not remember the deeds of the Lord God Jehovah who had delivered them from Egypt? Sadly, they had long left their Lord to follow false gods. Their worship of Baal was founded in the most base of practices. They had no conscience, despite knowledge of the Law. Its validity didn't change just because the people had rejected it.
What happened next was truly amazing! That day, God proved to the people that their gods were false. The prophets of Baal called out to Baal from morning to noon, but there was no fire from heaven. Elijah began to mock them and to mock Baal, but as earnestly as the prophets prayed to their god and called upon their god for an answer, there was no response. In desperation they began to cut themselves to show their earnestness, but when evening came, they realized it was to no avail. Their god had no ears, no eyes, no heart of understanding, and no love for this wayward people. He was a figurehead for their sin. Then it was Elijah's turn.
"And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down. And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the Lord came, saying, Israel shall be thy name: and with the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord: and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed. And he put the wood in order, and cut the bullock in pieces, and laid him on the wood, and said, fill four barrels with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice, and on the wood." 1 Kings 18:30-33
Elijah had the trench filled with water. The wood and the sacrifice were soaked with water, making it impossible for the sacrifice to burn even if they had lit a fire. Elijah wanted them to see that what is impossible for man to do, the Lord can do. Then Elijah called upon the Lord God Jehovah...
"Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word. Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the Lord God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again. Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The Lord, he is the God; the Lord, he is the God." 1 Kings 18:36b-39
What fear must have taken hold of their hearts. Their sin was great and deserving of death as commanded by the Law. By humbling themselves, they were saved from the Lord's judgment. Submission and humility and honesty about sin were evidenced after the Lord demonstrated His power. Who can stand before a righteous God?
"Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry? Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared, and was still, when God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah." Psalm 76:7-9
Then Elijah executed judgment against the prophets of Baal in accordance with the law (Deuteronomy 13). Then came the rain.
"And it came to pass in the meanwhile, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain." 1 Kings 18:45
Well, the rain was falling and all should have been well. The drought was over with the Lord proving His faithfulness to keep His word. However, Jezebel was not happy to hear that the prophets of Baal had been executed. Out for blood, she sent a messenger to Elijah to tell him that she was going to kill him. In fear and despair, Elijah ran for his life.
"...came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, it is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, arise and eat. And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baked on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee." I Kings 19:3b-7
Forty days later, much strengthened by his rest, Elijah travels to Mount Horeb where he takes refuge in a cave. There, God reveals His glory and speaks with Elijah, saying "What doest thou here, Elijah?" (1 Kings 19:9b). Elijah replies:
"And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: and after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, what doest thou here, Elijah?" I Kings 19:10-13
Elijah is in great despair. He's looking at the condition of Israel, and his heart is broken. He believes there is no hope, and with Jezebel trying to kill him, he has lost the will to go on. He is ready to quit and die. Despite having witnessed the Lord's intervention and seen demonstrations of His power and might, Elijah is almost defeated by Jezebel. Then he hears from the Lord. That still small voice spoke to Elijah, and touched his heart. Simple words, but powerful. What are you doing? Elijah replied again as before, and the Lord listened. He answered Elijah with instructions on appointing his future successor. Then the Lord tells him that he is not alone.
"Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him." I Kings 19:18
Elijah had mistakenly thought he was the only one of the Lord's men left, but he wasn't. With his life threatened by Jezebel, his hope left him. Elijah had taken on the burden of Israel, but he had forgotten that it was the Lord's burden.
How the Lord loved Elijah! Recognizing his need, the Lord supplied food and water and rest. The Lord encouraged him with a demonstration of His glory, and His still small voice was an exhortation that there was more to be done. Lastly, He provided a partner to help him in the work. Thus Elijah was greatly encouraged and ready to continue on, for the Lord was not finished with him yet.
Have you lost hope?
Are you feeling that there is no hope of help for you? Maybe you too feel the despair of uncertainty. Your strength may be gone, and you're just too discouraged and depressed to go on.
Allow the Lord to strengthen you. Trust Him to sustain you. Believe He cares for you and will not let you down. Meditate on His promises.
Remember these words:
We are conquerors! We are loved! We have the hope of a future with Him and a reward for faithful service! God sent His Son Jesus to make a way for us. We are forgiven and He has gifted us with the presence of the Holy Spirit, our Comforter.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of the Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:3-9
Be encouraged. Our Lord never leaves us or forsakes us, but walks with us through every trial and temptation. He will get you through it. He will make a way for you. Give up your plan, and seek His.
"In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion. Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline tine ear unto me, and save me. Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou has given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress. Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth." Psalm 71:1-5
If you are struggling to believe or do not know Jesus as your Savior, then please go to Do you know for sure?
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"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" 1 Peter 3:15
MUSINGS...
"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 15:57-58
"Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not fashioning ourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation because it is written, be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers' but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might in God." 1 Peter 1:13-21
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the Lord..." Jeremiah 29:11-14a
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"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." James 1:12
Gathering Strength for the New Year
"O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; to see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary." Psalm 63:1-2
A Time For Reflection...
As we begin a new year, it would seem our first order of business should be to spend time with our Lord in prayer. If you kept a prayer journal, now is a good time to go back and review the year, remembering all He has done. You will be amazed at the answered prayers! Let's be reminded by the Psalmists of all that He has done for them, remembering that what He did for them, He is willing to do for us.
Thank Him for the blessings and the trials:
"I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me." Psalm 3:5
"I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety." Psalm 5:8
"The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliver; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower." Psalm 18:2
"The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me." Psalm 18:20
"Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;" Psalm 30:11
"It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect." Psalm 18:32
"Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah." Psalm 32:7
"But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in time of trouble." Psalm 37:39
"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah." Psalm 68:19
"Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah." Psalm 85:2
"For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness." Psalm 107:9
"The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy." Psalm 145:8
"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." Psalm 147:3
A Time for Seeking Him...
We have no idea what lies ahead in the new year. This is an election year, and certainly a time when we need to seek His direction and will. Let us be reminded that He is able to direct all our paths if we will listen and obey. He knows our hearts and our struggles, and He desires us to come to Him for all our needs. When you pray confess your sin first, for sin hinders your prayers. Remember Solomon's prayer for an extra dose of wisdom to discern between good and bad? That should be the foundation of our prayers. The following Psalms are good ones to pray, but be careful, He will answer! Don't be afraid of His convicting power. Humble yourself before Him and allow Him to change you.
"Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face." Psalm 5:8
"Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust." Psalm 16:1
"Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings." Psalms 17:8
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14
"But be thou not far from me, O Lord: O my strength, haste thee to help me." Psalm 22:19
"For thy name's sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great." Psalm 25:11
"Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart." Psalm 26:2
"Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies." Psalm 27:11
"Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me: Lord, be thou my helper." Psalm 30:10
"O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles." Psalm 43:3
"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." Psalm 51: 10
"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Psalm 90:12
"Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man." Psalm 108:12
"Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart." Psalm 119:34
"Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight." Psalm 119:35
"Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness." Psalm 119:36
"Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me." Psalm 119:133
"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24
"Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties." Psalm 141:4
"Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God..." Psalm 143:10a
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"Inspired by great-grandmother's scrapbook, compiled before 1918."
Abide with Me
by Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847)
Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;
When other helpers fail, and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
Not a brief glance I beg, a passing word;
But as thou dwellest with thy disciples, Lord,
Familiar, condescending, patient, free,
Come, not to sojourn, but abide with me.
Come not in terrors, as the King of Kings
But kind and good with healing in Thy wings,
Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea.
Come, Friend of sinners and abide with me.
Thou on my head in early youth did smile,And though rebellious and perverse meanwhile'
Thou hast not left me, oft as I left Thee.
On to the close, O Lord, abide with me.
I need Thy presence every passing hour;
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.
I fear no foe with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness;
Where is death's sting? where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.
Hold then Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
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"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." Psalm 43:5
HOME SCHOOL TIPS GETTING BACK IN THE GROOVE...
Getting back to school is tough after the holidays. Everyone is generally tired and stressed resulting in an overall angst and crankiness. On top of that, lessons learned before the holidays tend to be a bit fuzzy. It's not unusual to feel a sense of dread at the prospects of dealing with back to school blues! However, with planning and a few basic techniques, you can assure a less stressful first day back after the holidays.
Start the new year off right with these basic techniques to ensure a positive first day. Maintain these techniques throughout the year for optimum student and teacher preparedness.
For Teachers:
*Review lesson plans for the week.
*Gather materials and supplies.
*Catch up on grading tasks.
*Make sure all is in order and ready for the first day.
*Spend time daily in prayer and Bible reading
*Make a To Do list
*Get plenty of sleep the night before
*Plan to get up a little earlier to do some housekeeping chores so you can focus your energies on school. Remove clutter from the school area.
*Prepare a nutritious breakfast
*Wear a smile
*Plan extra PE time for everyone to help reduce stress.
For Students:
*If mealtime is late, have a light supper meal such as soup and crackers to avoid an overloaded stomach.
*Avoid stressful activities at least two hours before bedtime. Turn off television, videos, games, etc.
*Resolve all disputes and irritations so no one goes to bed angry and upset.
*On the night before school studies begin, make sure your students go to bed early and get a good night's rest.
*Spend the hour before bedtime with wind down time. This is a good opportunity for a short devotion time with Bible reading and prayer.
*Avoid late night snacks and drinks, particularly caffeinated and sugared drinks.
*Take a warm bath to help relaxation.
*Place soft, soothing music to encourage sleep in young children.
To learn more about homeschooling please contact me!
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Providing Christian Homeschool Curriculum and online courses for families who want to build a Biblical worldview.
A wonderful free downloadable program for record keeping!
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"Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." James 5:11
THOUGHT
PROVOKERS
Do you doubt your salvation?
Take this little test to find out....
-Excerpts from The Work of the Holy Spirit by Octavius Winslow
"What are you to yourself: worthless, vile, empty?
What is Jesus to you: precious, lovely, all your salvation, and all your desire?
What is sin to you: the most hateful thing in the world?
And what is holiness to you: the most lovely, the most longed for?
What is the throne of grace to you: the most attractive spot?
And the cross: the sweetest resting place in the universe?
What is God to you: your God and Father, the spring of all your joys, the fountainhead of all your bliss, the center where your affections meet?
Is it so?
Then you are born again; then you are a child of God; then you shall never die eternally."
"Those low views of yourself: that brokenness, that inward mourning, that secret confession, that longing for more spirituality, more grace, more devotedness, and more love does but prove the existence, reality, and growth of God's work within you."
Winslow, Octavius. "New Birth, New Creature." Free Grace Broadcaster Issue 202 (Winter 2007): 29.
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"And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." I Timothy 6:6
"Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man." Matthew 15:10-11
* More recipes can be found at Free Recipes.
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1 lb. lentils 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1/2 cup olive oil 1 cup chopped celery leaves including leaves 1/2 cup chopped carrots 1 large onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped salt and pepper to taste Wash lentils and cover with about two quarts of water. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender. Add the rest of the ingredients and cook until tender. Serves 6.
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3 potatoes, peeled and diced 3 carrots, peeled and diced 1 large can V-8 juice 1 can tomatoes 1 large onion, chopped 1 lb. ground lean meat 1 can cream corn 1/2 cup sugar Bring potatoes, carrots, and onions to a boil, then simmer until tender. While vegetables are cooking, brown meat in skillet. Add cooked meat to cooked vegetables. Add V-8 juice, tomatoes, and corn. Add sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat until hot.
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1 lb. fresh cranberries 4 quarts water 6 cinnamon sticks 12 whole cloves 2 cups orange juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 cups sugar Combine cranberries, water, cinnamon sticks, and cloves in large saucepan. Cook until cranberries are soft. Strain. Add orange juice, lemon juice, and sugar. Heat until sugar is dissolved. Serve hot or cold. |
" Then Job answered the Lord, and said, I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes." Job 42:1-6
"So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning..." Job 42:12a
Drink more water during these dry winter months to maintain proper body hydration. Remember that coffee and sodas dehydrate. Begin your day with an 8-oz. glass of water with a squirt of lemon juice. Dehydration can lead to serious illness. If symptoms are severe, consult your doctor.
Make sure you eat your greens! Add spinach leaves to a sandwich, a salad, or to soup.
The winter months are the best time to find citrus fruits in the stores. Enjoy a glass of fresh juice daily!
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