It is not good to......

Now I have looked up Bible verses on things that is not good to do! So this should be intresting! :)

It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.   Romans 14:21

And the Lord God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him."

  Genesis 2:18

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so.

 Proverbs 3:27

 

 

 It is not good to show partiality to the wicked, Or to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

Proverbs 18:5

 

Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, And he sins who hastens with his feet.

Proverbs 19:2

 

These things also belong to the wise: It is not good to show partiality in judgment.

Proverbs 24:23

 

It is not good to eat much honey; So to seek one's own glory is not glory.  Proverbs 25:27

 

Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

1 Corinthians 7:1

 

When and if I come across more verses on this subject I will post them here.

 

In Him,

Mae

 

 

 

 

It is good to... ( part 2 )

But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, That I may declare all Your works.    Psalms 73:28

 It is  good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;  Psalm 92:1

Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.

  Psalms 147:1

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!  Psalms 133:1

My son, eat honey because it is good, And the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste;  Proverbs 24:13

Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage.  

   Ecclesiastes 5:18

I will freely sacrifice to You; I will praise Your name, O Lord, for it is good.

Psalms 54:6

 

It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.   Romans 14:21

 

 Here is a few more good things for us to do!

  

In Him,

Mae

It is good to...

I thought it would be interesting to look up all the verses on  things that is good to do.  I have seen a study on this somewhere recently, and it really is interesting to see what the Bible has to say on the subject of things that are good for us to do.
I have looked up just a few verse so far, and have shared them here.

1. 
   Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.   Hebrews 13:9
2. 
   But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you.
   Galatians 4:18
3. 
   It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the LORD.
   Lamentations 3:26

I look forward to searching for more verses on this subject and will share them here as I can.

As always I love to hear from you, so if you have a minute please leave me a comment.

In Him,
Mae

He will answer every prayer

He Will Answer Every Prayer

God has given you His promise, That He hears and answers prayer;
He will heed your supplication,If you cast on Him every care.

( chorus )
He will answer every prayer, He will answer every prayer,
Go to Him in faith believing, He will answer every prayer.

He will not with-hold one blessing, He will give you want is best;
God will answer by His spirit, Every one who makes request.

He can hear the great petition, And the smallest, over there;
Unto God pray without ceasing, He will answer every prayer.

Take to God your plans and failures, Any time and anywhere;
No one e'er has gone unanswered, For He answers every prayer.

~ by Mary Bernstecher

Another very beutiful  and true song about a prayer.
 Hoping that you will be encouraged by this post, and wishing you a very wonderful blessed day!
He will answer your every prayer!!

In Him,
Mae

'Tis The Blessed Hour of Prayer

  'Tis the blessed hour of prayer, when our hearts lowly bend,
And we gather to Jesus, our savior and Friend,  If we come to Him in faith,
His protection to share.

(chorus)
What a balm for the weary!
Oh sweet to be there!
Blessed hour of prayer,
Blessed hour of prayer:
What a balm for the weary!
O how sweet to be there!

'Tis the blessed hour of prayer, when the Saviour draws near,
 With a tender compassion His children to hear;
When He tells us we may cast at His feet every care.

'Tis the blessed hour of prayer, when the tempted and tried
To the saviour who loves them their sorrow confide;
With a sympathizing heart He removes every care.

At the blessed hour of prayer, trusting Him we believe
That the blessings we're needing we'll surely receive;
In the fullness of this trust we shall lose every care.

Yet another beautiful song about prayer! I just love it!
And I  found 3 more in my hymn book, so I will share those here too as I have time.

I love prayer time with the Lord, and hoping you do too!

In Him,
Mae

Just a little talk with Jesus

Now let us have a little talk with Jesus.
Let us tell Him all about our troubles.
He will hear our faintest cry,
And He will answer by and by.
Now when you feel a little pray wheel turning,
And you know a little fire is burning,
You will find a little talk with Jesus makes it right.

( the chorus for the song Just a Little Talk With Jesus. )

How very true this is.  So very much can be accomplished in our time of prayer with the Lord.
 When things are going wrong, when plagued with dout and fear, when troubled and down trodden, just take it all to the Lord in prayer. And He will give you peace and rest of spirit.  And He will make it all right.

Sweet Hour Of Prayer

Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer,
That calls me from a world of care,
And bids me at my Father's throne
Make all my wants and wishes know;
In seasons of distress and grief,
My soul has often found relief,
And oft' escaped the tempter's snare,
By thy return, sweet hour of prayer.

Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer,
Thy wings shall my petition bear,
To Him whose truth and faithfulness,
Engage the waiting soul to bless;
And since He bids me seek His face,
Believe His word and trust His grace,
I'll cast on Him my every care,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer.

( the first 2 lines of the song Sweet Hour of Prayer by W.W. Walford )

 I love both of those songs because of how very true they are.
  And how I love and cherish my prayer time with the Lord.
  When I pray ( though I am more often praying laying stretched out contently in my bed than down on my knees) I feel I  like am literally kneeling at the feet of Jesus. Kneeling there at His feet pouring out my day to Him, my concerns, my thoughts, my struggles, my desires. I pray for my children, my husband, my family, my friends, my sponsored children, ect, ect....

  That time of my nightly prayers when I climb into bed at night after a long day is so special to me. As I pray and talk with Jesus I fall into a contented slumber, filled with peace and sweet contentment. Of course sometimes sleep claims me before I have prayed very long,  but then I continue my talk again with the Lord when I am awake with my baby during the night, and when I arise in the morning.
   Of course we can pray throughout the day too as we do our duties, but having that special undisturbed prayer time is so special and meaningful to me.

   May you too find that special sweet hour of prayer with the Lord.
He will rejuvenate you,  give you a light heart, and give you the strength and energy you need to keep on going!!

"You will find a little talk with Jesus makes it all right!"

In Him,
Mae

winter thus far in the North

 Anna loves to be pulled on this sled! And she seems to love all our snow .
It keeps snowing, and we are at around  18in.s at present.

Today has been our coldest so far. It was -26F ( -32C ) this morning. It warmed up though by afternoon, and the kids were all out paying and having fun! It is -12F now.
   Glad the cold weather doesn't keep them too cooped up in the house. I just bought them some sleds the other day, and though we do not have a slide hill right here, they were able to slide on the big heap of snow that was created from our driveway being plowed.  So that is nice.

For me I have been more cooped up in the house than the kids. I haven't been out much just for pleasure so far. Mostly I just run out to the van to go somewhere ( which is very sledom except to drive the 3 miles to the post-office) , or to run to the shop to get something from our freezer. I have been out a differnnt times to pull the younger ones on a sled. And I have tried out cross country skies a few times, though not with much luck. That seems a work of art!
  So I have been cooped up mostly so far this winter, but I am loving it anyway.  I like that that I don't have a hundred little things I need to be out side doing like in the summer. I love that I am not busy all  day long trying hard to get everything done! I like that I can just be in the house doing school with the kids, doing lots of baking, writing letters, reading books, organizing, and the kind of things you usually don't have time for in the summer. I like that the daylight hours is much shorter so that going to bed early and sleeping in is now possible.   
So I am definitely liking winter thus far!!!  To me it is like a nice break or rest period.

  Even my Texan hubby  is doing ok in this cold! He seems to be very tough!  Though he would much prefer to be down south about now! :)  His job is going good! On the job he has been plowing snow for this first time ever!! I am so very happy that he his willing be here in the north out of his element  all for my sake! Oh, and he even tried out a snowboard for the first time the other day! Yep, my hubby is awesome!!

  So thus far winter here in Northern Alberta is going very well for us!!  Our house is warm, our freezers are full,  we are healthy, and very, very blessed!!
  God is good! 
In Him,
Mae

I Know who holds tomorrow......

 I Know who Holds Tomorrow

I don't know about tomorrow,
I just live from day to day.
I don't borrow form it's sunshine,
For it's skies may turn to gray.
I don't worry over the future,
For I know what Jesus said,
And today I will walk beside Him,
For He knows what is ahead.

( Chorus )

Many things about tomorrow,
I don't seem to understand;
But I know who holds tomorrow,
An I know who holds my hand!


Every step is getting brighter,
As the golden stairs I climb;
Every burden's getting lighter;
Every cloud is silver lined.
There the sun is always shining,
There no tear will dim the eye,
At the ending of the rainbow,
Where the mountains touch the sky.

I don't know about tomorrow,
It may bring me poverty;
But the one who feeds the sparrow,
Is the one who stands by me.
And the path that be my portion.
May be through the flame or flood,
But His presence goes before me.
And I'm covered with His blood.
 ~ Ira Stanphill

What a beautiful song! And what a wonderful reminder of God's great love and care for us!
No matter what the 'morrow may hold He has us covered safely under his wings!!  ( Psalms 91:4 )
We may not know what tomorrow will hold, but we know He holds tomorrow come what may, and that is enough!
     He holds tomorrow, and He holds my hand!!!  Yay me!!!
In Him,
Mae

a soft answer

"A soft answer turneth away wrath; but grievous words stir up anger."
                  Proverbs 15:1

How true this proverbs is. 
   If someone says angry words to us , and we reply with some back of our own , some more angry words are sure to come. But when you reply with kinds and soft words instead, the other person calms down. As they say it takes 2 to fight.

  Here some simply three word sentences that if we can learn to say will do great wonders.

 ~ You were right.
~ I was wrong.
~ I am sorry.
~ Do you forgive me?
~ I forgive you.
~ I love you.

 Give a soft answer and turn away wrath!  How powerful is that!!

  In Him,
Mae

like trees planted by the waters

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of the sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful."
 
"But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night."

 "And he should be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth froth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."

"The ungodly are not so; but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

"Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgement , nor sinners in the congeration of the righteous."

"For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous; but the way of the ungodly shall perish."
                                                            Psalms 1:1-6

To me the first chapter of Psalms speaks so much.

 It tells us that we will be blessed if we do not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor be influenced with sinful ways.

 It tells us if we love, obey, and delight  in the law of the Lord, and meditate on it continually; that we will be like trees planted by the rivers, that flourish and grow strong, and prosper.

 It tells us that for the  ungodly ( those that do not love, obey and delight in the law)   just the opposite will be true, they will be like chaff that is driven away with the wind.  The ungodly will not stand in the judgement, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous, but will perish away.

It tells us that God knows His children and is with them and takes care of them always.
So very beautiful don't you think!?  I would love to hear your thoughts on this.

As always thanks for visiting here and taking the time to read!
In Him,
Mae

Fear not for God is with you.

   Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth,
and called thee from the chief men thereof,
and said on to thee, Thou art my servant;
I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.

   Behold, all they that were incensed against thee
shall be ashamed and confounded:
they shall be as nothing;
and they that strive with thee shall perish.

  Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them,
even them that contend with thee:
they that war against thee shall be as nothing ,
and as a thing of nought.

   Fear thou not; for I am with thee:
be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;
 yea,I will up hold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.   

     For I the Lord they God will hold thy right hand,
saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

        Isaiah 10: 9-13

 What beautiful words of protection and covering over us from our Heavenly Farther.  What great love and care He has bestowed up on His people.
   May we learn to trust and rest in Him always knowing that in Him we have nothing to fear!


In Him,
Mae

Trust, delight, commit, and rest

Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they soon shall be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.

Trust in the Lord, and do good: so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noon day.

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him:  fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

God wants us to trust, delight, commit, and rest in Him.   And when we do what perfect peace is ours. No matter what is going on in our lives, or what's going on around us in the world, we can have perfect peace and rest when we learn to fully trust, and commit our lives to Him.
So very beautiful!!
And remember fret not, cause He holds you safely in His Hands and has a perfect plan for you.

"Peace I leave with  you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto  you. Let not your heart be troubled , neither let it be afraid."   John 14:27

"Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The lord be with you all."
    2 Thessalonians 3:16

May we all learn to trust and commit more fully In God, and  to delight and rest more deeply in Him!!

In Him,
Mae

How God can use even bad things for his glory

Today I would like to share something that has been on my mind for long time now.
 It is how God takes things that are done for bad or meant for bad, and turns them around into something good and uses it for His glory.
 It doesn't make that bad thing good by no means, but yet God makes something good come out of it.  Which is so very beautiful.

You can see that time and again  through out the Bible.
If we examine events in history we will see that.
I have seen it in events in my life.
And I am certain if you would look back through the years of your life, and take note of different things that happened you could also see that.

Here is a few examples I have found in the Bible.
~ The story of Job.  God allowed Satan to take away all that Job had, because Satan wanted to see if Job would then curse God ( Job chapter 1). Job did not. Though he lost everything he had, he still stayed true to God. And afterwards God blessed Job again with way more that he had to begin with ( Job chapter 42 ). And the story and life of Job has been a wonderful witness to many, many people through out time. ( the book of Job in the Old Testement)

~ Daniel was thrown in the lions den for praying to God. God not only saved him, but also used that to bring glory to Himself, and to show His great power to the people. King Darius then sent out a degree unto the people that they must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. ( Daniel chapter 6 )

~ Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown in the fiery furnace when they did not bow down and worship the idol. Not only did God save them from the fire, but God used that as a great testimony for Himself. It sure won king Nebuchadnezzar over!!  ( Daniel chapter 3 )

~ Jesus Crucifixion. The scribes and Pharisees were mad at Jesus and put him to death to get rid of him. And they thought they had the victory. Well little did they know they were only doing what God had planed from the very beginning of time. And Jesus not only rose again from the dead, but now has given life and the gift of salvation to all that will believe on him!!

~ The times Paul was put in prison for preaching. He always used that time to minister to others. Either to the guards, or by letters to the believers. His time in prison was meant to punish him and shut him up for awhile, but it didn't work.


It is so awesome how God  uses every situation, rather good or bad, for His glory. And He comes out the winner always every time!

If any of my readers have examples of how God has used bad things for His glory I would love for you to leave me a comment about it and share here for me and for others. Either in your life, in the life of someone you know,  in the Bible, or in history.
And when I think of other examples I will post them here. I know this is somthing I will be talking about more.

As always thanks for reading!
In Him,
Mae

Winter time fun

Sarah and Anna having fun in the snow!

 So it seems winter is here to stay. Our first snow fall only lasted a few days. Then it melted all off, and warmed up for a few days.  Only a few days after that though it cooled off  and started snowing again. This  time it seems to be here to stay, so winter is officially upon us.

I had been looking forward to winter time up here, but I honestly thought we would have fall for awhile yet and wanted to enjoy it still longer. But nature had other plans! So here are in the cold and snow, ready or not!!!

 So far everyone is enjoying it. The big ones dress up in layers and out they go for snow fun! Either ski, or make tunnels in piled up snow in our drive way which was created by the snow plow. So all the snow you see is because it has been piled up, we really don't have that much. I think we have between 12 to 15 in.
 It has been colder, but today is nice at only 25F.

The little ones I bundle up and take out with me for la ittle while. Got to be so careful with them so they don't get to cold. Here I am out with Benjamin. He loves the snow!

 Anna with a snow "cake" . They make snow "cakes" by pressing snow firmly in ice cream bucket, and then putting it out carefully, and there you have it! And if your lucky you can even pick it up! As Anna has here below. Isn't she cute in her pink outfit!?

Some other winter fun things .......

 ~water puddles inside the door from snowy boots
~snow ball fights
~ wet coats and mitts to hang up to dry before the next outing
~ making snow men
~ remembering to plug in the van the night before so that it will start in the morning
~sliding (if we can find a good slide hill)
~having to bundle everyone up in order to go anywhere!
~ skating
~ having a heap of coats and boots and mitts by the door for several months!
~pretty and white every where you look!
~ snowy and icy roads  ( actually they are pretty good most of the time though)
~cross country skiing ( if I can ever get the hang of it!)

Hoping you all have a good and fun winter too wherever you are!
In Him,
Mae

four wonderful truths about God

GOD IS SOVEREIGN.
He can do anything He wants to do, anytime HE wants to do it, anyway He wants to do it, for any purpose He wants to accomplish. Nothing is left to chance or fate. He is in absolute control.

GOD's LOVE IS PERFECT.
His love is unconditional, universal, and perfect. He proved it on Mt.Calvary. He speaks it in His Word. He demonstrates it in pouring blessings upon us, though we are undeserving.

GOD's WISDOM IS INFINITE.
He knows everything about everything. We can never inform God about something. He already knows. He makes no mistakes or wrong judgments. His wisdom is immeasurable and superior above all.

GOD IS ABSOLUTELY TRUSTWORTHY.
We can trust God completely because of His love and wisdom. But trusting is a choice. His Word promises rich blessings on those who put their trust in Him.

Wow!  What an awesome God we serve!! We can put our complete trust in Him, knowing that His love and care for us is unmeasurable.
 He has nothing but the absolute best in store for us.  And He holds us safely and securely in His hands always! Isn't that beautiful!!
In Him,
Mae

school 2012-2013

Just a run over of what we are using for schooling this year.

New for us this year is Switched-On Schoolhouse , which we are using for Nathan (grade 7) for science, and language arts, Clayton ( grade 4) for science, history and geography, and math.
 What i like about it is that is totally hands off for me, I do not have to correct lessons, and score or nothing, except for a few assignments I have to view and grade. I do miss having their work books to go over though and see what all they need to do, and get to see their work they did.

We are using Teachers Texts books for Math for Nathan. That is our second year using that. He loves it!!
I think I will use that for Clayton next year. It really explains the math concepts step by step. so easy to understand, and Nathan no longer struggles with math!!!!

I am using Rod and Staff English for Clayton. That is going well.  He found the English on Switched-on School house to be very difficult so we switched to this. Much easier!! This is my first time using anything from Rod and Staff.  It does not seem to have any spelling words though.

I just purchased the book Spelling Power, and we are using that for spelling for Clayton. It seems to be very good, though I was put off at first with the several pages of instructions in the front of the book. But now that I got it figured out, it seems very simply and easy to use. 

For Bible curriculum they all are doing the Bible light units form Christian Light Publications.

Nathan is doing the Canadian Social Studies  from Christian Light Publications.

I am using the complete curriculum from Christian Light Publications for Sam for grade 2.

Nathan and Clayton have typing lessons using the Typing Instructor Deluxe cd- rom.

For art we are using the Art For A Purpose by Christian Light Publications.

For music we are using the Music lgiht units by Christian Light Publications.

We have Writer's Work Shop for creative writing but have not yet put it in to use.


There I think that about covered everything! We keep busy doing it all!!

To fellow homeschooling moms, KEEP UP THE FANTASTIC JOB YOU DO!!!

In Him,
Mae

my source for good christian books

I just realized I need to share where it is I have been ordering the good books that I read to my children.

Here is the 4 different Christian book companys I buy from.

Christian Light Publications
 Visit their website at   www.clp.org    or call 1-800-776-0478 to place orders and request their free catalog. They have both books and school curriculum.

Rod and Staff Publishers.
www.RodandStaffBoooks.com    or phone 1-800-761-0234
You can request a free catalog. They also carry both books and school curriculum.

Vision Publishers
www.vision-publishers.com
phone  877-488-0901


TGS International
www.tgsinternational.com
phone 330-893-4828



I receive their catalogs in the mail, and also listings of any new books of theirs, and I just make my orders over the phone and pay by master card.  Is very easy, and I soon have my order in the mail on it's way to me!! I have never ordered anything by the website. But of course if you are set up to do that , that is very quick and easy too.

I believe reading to our children is one of the best things we can do for them!!

In Him,
Mae

my favorite thing to do

There is nothing more that I love  than to read to my children.
Yep, that is my most favorite thing ever!!
I read to them morning and evening. 
My husband reads from the Bible to us all in the evenings. Then I read to them out of the book that I am reading at the time.
In the mornings my husband does not have time to read, so I read to the children out of the Bible. After that I read in our book if time allows.
The books I read to them are good Christian books that help build faith and teach good godly characters and attitudes.  I am constantly looking for Christain books and have them in abundance so that I never run out of good books to read them.
I feel our reading  time is so important, and I really cherish it. I make sure nothing gets in the way of that time if all possible.
It is a very special time for me as I read instruct our children in the ways of the Lord.

In the mornings I like to read with us all around the breakfast table. I tried  hard to eat before they do so that then I can read while they finish off their breakfast.  So they are both fed physically and spiritual at the same time.
The best way to start the day I think.

I also encourage you to do the same. It takes about 30 mintues of your day morning and eveing, but it is so worth it.  Of course you can spend as long as you want reading to your children, there is no time limit!! :)

READ TO YOUR CHILDREN, AND INSPIRE THEM TO BE ALL THEY CAN BE FOR THE LORD!

In Him,
Mae

Loving God, loving the commandments

"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." 1John 5:3

"And I will delight myself in thy commandment, which I have loved." Psalm 119: 47

"With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments." Psalm 119:10

"Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold." Psalm 119:27

"My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.  Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye." Proverbs 7; 1-2


"If ye keep my commandments; ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love." John 15:10

"If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15

"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me; and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest my self to him." John 14:21

"My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandmets. For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee." Proverbs 3:1-2

Loving God and loving his commandments go hand in hand. We can not truly love God with out also loving  his commandments.
And when we love God and his commandments, we will joyously obey his commandments.

Too often we see people trying to do away with the commandments, so that we do not have to obey them. But that is contrary to Scripture.
 We are not to do away with them. We are to love them, and obey them. ( you can not truely love them with out obeying them)
They should be a delight and a joy to us! Never a burden.

And that makes me think of the commandment of the Sabbath. To me it is nothing but a complete joy. I so look forward to the Sabbath each week, and the wonderful and blissful rest it gives me. I would never think of it as a burden.  I love to honer and rest on the Sabbath.

All of God's commandmnets should be that way to us.

May  we all find  great love and joy in keeping God's commandments.

In Him,
Mae

Our first snow fall ( pictuers)

 Our first snow fall for winter 2012-2013!! 

 So we were surprised with an early snow fall this winter! And the kids are most delighted!!

 Lots of fun in the snow when they are dressed warmly.  Above is our big Ben!!! ( i know he looks girly!)

 Pulling out the skies already though there is hardly enough snow, but if they stay on the grass it should not scrape up thier skiies..

 I am sure this snow will melt off yet before our winter really begins though. I wasn't quite ready for winter just this soon. I was hoping to have a longer fall season.

 These kids are in for a awesomely fun winter I think!!!

Looking forward to a nice winter here. Lots of vegys canned and in freeezer, and  lots of firewood cut to keep the house warm, so we should be ready to snuggel on in here for the winter!!

In Him,
Mae
 

A beutiful poem of God's care

 Here is a nice little poem I just came across the other evening while reading to the children in their story book.  The title of the book is Safe In His Care, by Lily A. Bear.  There was no title to the poem though.

We left our home so dear to all
In answer to God's call.
  He called us to another land;
  We were beneath His caring hand.

How sweet the promise we had claimed,
That God would be the same.
  It makes no difference where we'll live:
  The same great love, our God will give.

So serve Him faithfully each day,
And live the Bible way.
  Then you'll have peace, and want to share
  That you are daily in God's care.



Just thought that was very nice, and wanted to share.

How true that is. No matter where you are, or where you go, as long as you're in HIS will, you will always be in safe in HIS care.
  God's protecting arms are always around us. We only need to be ready and willing to follow His calling no matter where in the world  that may leads us.

 Keep on strong in the Lord and in the truth!!

In Him,
Mae

It is ok to be bored.

  Have you ever had a child come up to you and state, "I am so bored, mom.!"  And of of course when they say that  to you they are expecting you to think of something entertaining and fun for them to do.

Different of mine has said this to me, though very rarely. They are good at entertaining them selves, and are for ever thinking of and doing something creative, either in doors or out.  ( we don't do T.V. and  very rarely computer games)
  But occasionally they too have been "bored."  And of course they think it is a bad thing to be bored.
I tell them though that it is ok to be bored. "And not only is it ok, but it is good to be bored!"
That statement of course shocks them.
I continue to tell them that if they are always so entertained there may be many wonderful things that they will miss out on.
 Like for instance it may be necessary for them to be totally and completely bored before they will think to write someone a letter, or do a craft, learn to crochet or knit, bake something, make something for a friend, and on and on.

And sad but true it may take extreme boredom for them  to decide, "Hey, I can always read the Bible."

I am of the opinion that our  kids should not always be entertained by something such as video games, the Internet, or  T.V., but rather let them find their own entertainment. And when they do, you will be surprised at what all great and wonderful things they can think of.
And many of those things will be a blessing to others!!
   How awesome is that!!!
They will  find their chores fun. And enjoy helping with what ever they can so that they have something to do.
They will be blessed for life!!

Hoping this post has been an encouragement to you today.
In Him, Mae

Fall it is, and Fall I love!

It is that time a year again. Fall time. My favorite season!
And  with it all the fall things.


~Trees turning their pretty fall colors.
~ Cool crisp mornings with bright sunny days.
~ Day light hours getting noticeable shorter each day.
~ Wild geese and ducks
~ digging and picking the last of the garden vegetables.
~ brightly colored leaves floating in the cool breezes
~ canning and freezing vegetables
~ putting potatoes, carrots, and beets in roots cellars or cold room for winter
~ my kids playing in the leaves
~ darkness when I put the kids in bed, instead of the bright sun still  shining high in the sky!
~ school filled days
~ summer work nearly over and winter rest almost here!
~ anticipation of the first snow fall
~ making the most of last remaining warm sunny days
~ cool and windy, and makes me want to run around with my arms out wide like the children
~ the pride I feel of putting up all kinds of wonderful vegetables and berries for my family's enjoyment over the cold winter.
~ The  great thankfulness in my heart to God for the bountiful harvest which only He alone provided.
~ the change of a new season.
~ watching the kids rack leaves in mounds, and then jumping in them. Or burying each other in the leaves!
~ cutting fire wood to keep our house warm when the cold winter wind blows.


Oh how I love this season of Fall!

Hoping you all are having a fantastic fall so far too!  Enjoy, for winter is approaching!

In Him,
Mae

He gives us sleep

"It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep."    Psalm 127:2

Last night while sitting up in the living room and nursing my last little one to sleep, this verse came to mind.

I have been trying very hard to get to bed at a good time here recently.  About a month ago Benjamin's regular bed time was between 10 p.m and 11p.m, every night,  night after night. So by the time I was in bed my self was even later than that. I was getting pretty worn out to say the least, and not able to get up at a good time in the morning either.
Now that school has started keeping a good schedule is very important. If I get up late, of course breakfast is late, then school is late. And if we are to much in a rush then there goes Bible reading time. So not good.

So I have to get up earlier. But to do that I need to get to bed earlier.
  With day light hours getting shorter that helps to get the kids settled down easier and faster.
And just here recently Benjamin had been going to sleep about 9:30 p.m. So, much  better!
.
Now If I can just manage to have all my evening responsibilities done by that time, and stay off the computer, and fight  the urge to snuggle up with my Bible or a good book. Then I will be doing good.
And I can get to bed earlier, and be able to rise early to start the new day well rested and full of energy!!!
 
Sometimes little ones keep us up late at night, and there is not alot we can do about that. But I do not want other things to be the reason I keep late hours.  I feel strongly that that would not be what God would want me to do. When I am up late I pay for it the next day!

I feel like God has been speaking to me latly on this. And He wants  to bless me with a good nights sleep!

My goal this winter is to go to bed as soon as the kids are in bed, and to get up in the morning no later than 7 a.m., but preferable by 6 or 6:30 a.m. --- then I could even  see hubby before he goes off to work and even cook him breakfast!  ( That would be a blessing to him I am sure! )

Hope your winter schedule is set and going good for you too, and that you get a good nights sleep every night!!

In Him,
Mae

Rockabye Baby

 Cleaning and scrubbing
  can wait til' tomorrow
For babies grow up,
  we've learned to our sorrow.....
So quiet down cobwebs,
  Dust go to sleep,
I'm rocking my baby
  And babies don't keep.

~ Wendy Lyn

Oh, if only I could heed these words in the poem. Little ones grow up way to soon I know, and I need to cherish every moment. So I need slow down, relax, and enjoy!!   The cleaning, and laundry will always be there. But sadly the little ones won't always.

So quiet down cobwebs, dust go to sleep, and dirty laundry set there in a heap, cause I am rocking my baby, and babies don't keep!!!!

In Him,
Mae

encouragement please!!

Any mom with 4 or more children has been sure to have heard the famous words at least once ( but probably many more times), "Are ALL these children yours?".
And after you reply,"Yes", there is a gasp ,"Oh my! how can you do it? I only had 2 and they drove me crazy!! "You certainly have your hands FULL!"

But recently I actually had a different conversation with an  older lady in a store. Seeing me with 5 of my children, she asks me that famous question.
And i smiling replied ( though bracing myself for what i was certain would come next) , "Yes they are, plus one more - my oldest son."
She then says, " So you have 6 children ? That is so special. My husband and I was only able to have 3. I just love to see big families. You are so blessed!"
Wow!! I was shocked! I never had  expected that at all. I was certain she was going to tell me the usual like you hear so often. I thought it was so sweet of her to tell me that. And how encouraging.

I thanked her, and told her I agreed with her that we were truly blessed of God.
 And I felt happy and refreshed!! And it gave me new bounce in my step! :)

But that is not all, in that same store not 30 min.s later I had another mom comment on how well behaved my kids were!  Her little one were doing the normal thing, you know being noisy, asking for stuff, ect....
And mine at the moment were actually not doing that. They were all by my side, older ones tending little ones, and  putting groceries on the counter.
I thanked her, and then added, "This is just a good moment though, give them about 10 min.s" She then laughed along with clerk. At that  though the clerk agreed with her. So I had me yet another confirmation about my well behaved kids!!:)  ( little did they know though) 

It is so encouraging to get comments like that even though I know my children are not as well behaved as  others may think .
 Still it makes me feel good, and keeps me doing what I am doing, and gives me strength and courage to try even harder.

Let  us not neglect encouraging one another. Being a mom is a tough job.
We need each others words of encouragement, and prayers of support.

Moms keep on keeping on! You have the greatest role ever!!  You are truely blessed of God!!!

In Him,
Mae

another awesome blog

I just love it when I come across another awesome blog by an awesome mom!
 Here is the latest one I have found.  Grace Full Mama
So check out her blog if you have time. I am sure you will enjoy it as I have.

I just love it when moms take time out of their very busy lives create a blog and post on it regularly to encourage and inspire fellow moms. I love it when they share their wisdom and knowledge, their love for God and their families, things they have learned and experienced,  their weakness, their strengths, their joys, and what ever else God puts on their hearts to share.

I encourage you moms that do have blogs to keep up the awesome work!!  We read your blogs and we are blessed by you!!
And to those of you that don't have one, I encourage you to start one. I am positive you have lots of wisdom and great things to share with others. And with God's leading he will put more and more on your heart to share.It is a great way to reach out and share with others. A great way to minister out-side the home ; yet not leaving the house to do so!

I  plan to try very hard to post more often here on my blog. I would love to post something encouraging at least 2 to 4 times a week. Some mom's post daily on their blogs, and though I think that is so special I just know I could not keep up with that. So I will be realistic and keep it less frequent yet often enough to keep y'all coming back for more!!

Don't forget I love hearing your comments! And remember to pray for one another!

Until next time,
In Him,
Mae

Bible verses that convict me that the T.V. is not for the Godly home

These verses along with many others that I read in the Bible are very convicting to me about the T.V. in Godly homes. So I will share them here for you.
As you read them,  think and mediate on them, and let God speak to you through them.

"Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners."
                                      1 Corinthians 15:33

"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is an enemy of God." 
                                                 James 4:4
( you may not consider the T.V. to be your friend, but what is the difference? )

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God."

"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."
"For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God."
        Colossians 3:1-3

Turn away mine eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in your way.
Psalms 119:37  NKJV

"Love not  the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Farther is not in him."
"For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Farther, but is of the world."
"And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."
 1John 3:15-17

"Finally, brethren , whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."Philippians 4:8
"All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing."       Ecclesiastes 1:8

( no wonder the t.v. and movie business is so huge!)

"Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied." 
                  Proverbs 27:20

Another thought to think on is about the many times in the old testament when God was dealing with His people the Israelites. Time and again he instructed them to destroy other nations in the lands they went into so that the evil ways of those people would not corrupt them.
 If God was so concerned at that time about His people being corrupted with evil customs and practices by heathen people, don't you think He is still concerned today about His people?

 You can only imagine what God must think of the T.V. which brings all kinds of evil right inside of ones home. (And of course much evil via the Internet as well if it is used for wrong purposes )

Let us fight against wrong and evil! And may we keep the evil out in the world where it belongs, not in our very living rooms!!
Stand strong in our God!   As always I love to hear form you and your thoughts on what I write.
Until next time,
In Him, Mae

                                     

No Longer Wishy-Washy ( by Nancy from Above Rubies)

I loved this post by Nancy on her Above Rubies encouragment blog for women. So of course I had to share here for my readers.    Visit www.aboverubies.org to learn more of her ministry.

NO LONGER WISHY-WASHY!

What a privilege we have as mothers to create a home that is a sanctuary for God. God loves to dwell in our homes and walk in the midst of everything we are doing (Leviticus 26:11-12 and 2 Corinthians 16-18).

Psalm 96:6 says, “Honor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.”

Strength is one of the characteristics of God’s sanctuary. Therefore, as we prepare our home to be a sanctuary for God, we need to build strength into our home. I believe the greatest way we do this is to fill our hearts, and the hearts of our children, with God’s truth. Unless we, and our children, know the truth, are convinced of the truth, and are prepared to contend for the truth, we are wishy-washy and have no strength. We are a home that has no strength and can be battered by the storms of life.

I am amazed, or I should say, very burdened, at the state of Christianity today. Many do not have strong convictions of God’s principles. They are tolerant of what God says is an abomination. They are raising children who are more familiar with the entertainment of this world than they of God’s Word.
Let’s build strength into our home. Let’s become mothers of strong convictions. Let’s raise children who will not fear to stand strong for truth, and who will “be able to withstand (stand against, oppose, resist) in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13.


Love from Nancy


I feel like she really hit the nail on the head there.  That is excaatly what is happening in many homes today. It is so sad.  We need to stand for the TRUTH!
We need to become strong in our morals, standards and convictions, and stand strong against wrong and evil.

In Him,
Mae

Our family picture

 Our wonderful family!! Don't we make a good pictuer!? Will be fun when we even have more children for a pictuer down the road on day, the Lord willing. If He so blesses us we long to have more!! :)

Just mommy and the kids here in this pictuer. Oh what fun they are!! So nice when one is not so busy that you can truely enjoy and have fun with them!  Most certainly they are the best blessings ever!!


Well life has been so busy here of late.  At the moment finds me in the middel of making dill pickels,( which are packed in the jars and waiting on the vineger mix to come to a boil ) then it is on to corn. Bunches of corn to husk, and then boil in a large pot, and cut off cob to bag and freezze. It is alot of doings, but once it is all said and done, and snuggely in my freeezzer how wonderful it will be!! So thankful to God for abundance of vegtables to be able to put up for my family.  We need to be ever so thankful for all that God provides, and do our part to preserve and put it up for families.

So since live is extra busy at the moment I do not have much time for blogging. But this busy time will be over before we know it, and we will be back to school once again, and time for posting here as well too I hope!! :)
 But until then,
In Him,
Mae

Why is Truth Failing? ( post by Nancy from Above Rubies)

I am sharing this post here from the Above Rubies face book page.  I thought this post by Nancy to be very good. I hope you enjoy it as well.

 To learn more of the Above Rubies ministries go to, www.aboverubies.org 

WHY IS TRUTH FAILING?

Why is justice perverted? Why is truth fallen in the streets? (Isaiah 59:14-15). Do you think it is because it is failing in the homes?

I believe the answer to truth reigning in the streets and the market places of this nation again is by it coming back to the family. The family was the first institution God ordained (before the church and before government) and it is where He wants things to happen first.

I hear of families who once were shining brightly who are now backslidden. Unless we are “rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith” (Colossians 2:7-8) we can easily be uprooted.

Become a truth-seeking family. Become a Word loving-family. Become a praying family. You can be an excellent homeschooling mother, but if your children graduate without being RICHLY FILLED WITH THE WORD OF GOD, they will not be ready to resist the adversary in the evil day (Colossians 3:16).

It’s interesting that after this lament of truth falling in the streets, this chapter ends with God’s plan for His families, “My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, SHALL NOT DEPART OUT OF THY MOUTH, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth and forever” (Isaiah 59:21).

That’s our answer.

Love from Nancy

May we  all  desrie the truth, and stand for the truth And teach our children the TRUTH!

In Him,

Mae

Gardening pic.s in Alberta

 These pictures were took of us picking vegetables in my mom and dad's market garden.  Above is a pic. of Sarah and I picking cucumbers. Well she is eating and I am picking!

 Nathan looking to see how far he has already picked in the cucumber patch. ( and Sarah eating her cucumber! )

 Hanging out by the corn and cucumber patch. ( Sam, Anna, & Benjamin )

 My this is a heavy bucket of cucumbers!!  But you can do it Sam!!

 Sitting out side by the clothes line shelling peas.

 Grandpa washing and sorting cucumbers.

 Preparing the cucumbers for sale. It is quite the process for sure.

 Sam being silly with a cucumber by the corn patch.

My big boys shelling peas and eating pop-corn! I guess this is what you call a pea-shelling party!

Hope you enjoyed the pictures of our Alberta garden pic.s. The growing season is short here, but the days are very long so everything seems to fairly boom here.  Which makes summer time  a very busy time!

Until next time,
In Him,
Mae

Pictuers of us in Alberta

 Here is some fun photos of us in the wheat field by our place. A very pretty view for pictuers.

 My sweet hubby  & i with our sweet baby Benjamin! Benjamin just truned a year old the other day.

 Our darling girls in the wheat field.

 Three of our boys!  Sam has his arms full!!!!!

Walking back from pictuer taking past our  chicken pens.

 Benjamin lovin' on our cat!

Just a pretty shot of some farmer's horses.

   Well hope you enjoy these lastest pic.s from my house here in Alberta.

In Him,
Mae

Busy but fun summer !!

It has has been a very busy summer thus far. I have descided summers here are very fast and furious!! The summers are short, and so much to be done in that short period.
Gardens to plant and tend and harvest. Wild berries to pick and freezze and so on. Community day camps , VBS,and Bible camps for the kids.
Long daylight hours, and one can find enough to do the whole day long, as I do everyday and I am up till 11 every night ( but that is mostly because my 11 month old has offically made that his bed time now). I for one am getting alittle wore out already and we still have some summer left.

This week has found me picking saskatoon berries and  rassberrries two differnt times, getting my kids down to my parents place to help pick and prepare vegtables to sell from thier market garden, a grocery shopping trip to Peace River, then a doctor trip for a our sick youngest gal, ( just a stomach virus, alll is fine now) of course house work and laundry in there too, and now this morning I need to go to my parents place again ( 12 miles from here) and pick rassberries and peas, and get some ruhbarb to prepare for the freezzer, and 3 loads of laundry need to happpen to day, plus house cleaning for our Sabbath. Yippie for my Sabbath rest!!!!

 So another cracy busy summer week here. But I love it none the less. And I know summer will soon before over and fall and then winter will be here and a wonderful break!! Our first winter here in the north, I am very exctied!!! Of course then we will be busy homeschoolin again, but still that is fairly relazed.
  Next week our Nathan and Clyaton go to a summer Bible Camp here. They are so looking forward to that. Of course will be long week here for me with out my bigest helpers!! But I am happy for them.
 Also next week Sam and Sarah will be going to VBS all week with some friends down the road. They are so excited. So it will certainly be a differnt week for me here. I have a feeling there will be a loney little sister and brother at the house all week that will need more of momma's attention and time. ( my 2 year old & 11 month old )
But maybe, just  maybe it will be a bit more relaxed next week. Alhtough I will have to take my kids place in helping in my parents market garden.

So this is why I have not been posting on here as I would like too. But God keeps putting great things are my heart and mind to share. As time allows I will share here with you.
              I am very thankful for this little spot here to share wonderful things with other moms. I am very blessed.  Well untill next time.

In him, Mae

You Are a Watch Dog ( by Nancy Campbell )

THis is post by Nancy Cmapbell from Above Rubies Ministeries.  You can visit the Above Rubies web site to learn more about Nancy and her ministiers.  http://www.aboverubies.org/ 

I  I loved this post of hers that she had on thier facbook page, and so I am sharing here for all my readers to enjoy as well!!

 

YOU ARE A WATCH DOG

A mother asks, “Can anyone tell me where in Scripture it says we are to be watch dogs or protectors of our children’s souls?” The following are a few Scriptures for you to meditate upon.

1. Hebrews 13:17 says, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”

This Scripture is speaking to the elders of the church who have the responsibility to watch over the souls of their flock. However, before the church was ever instituted, God designed the family. The family is the first institution that God ordained and the church is only a reflection of the extended family. It is primarily the responsibility of parents to watch over the souls of their little flock. This is the principle task of parenting. And God holds us responsible.

2. Titus 2:5 exhorts the older women to teach the younger women to be “keepers at home.”

This phrase is translated differently according to which manuscript from which the version was translated. One Greek word is “oikourogo” meaning “to work at home.” The other is “oikouros” meaning “to guard and watch over the home.” This not only means to guard the physical home, but more importantly, the children in the home. Our greatest task as mothers is to guard our children’s lives, and that means watching over their souls. You are a WATCH DOG! And a watch dog has to be on the job! We have to be constantly watching and praying to detect any intrusion of the enemy into our home or our children’s hearts. This is a full time job.

3. 1 Thessalonians 5:23, “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

This was Paul’s prayer for the new believers at Thessalonica. This was my prayer and vision for my children as I raised them in our home. Our ultimate aim and prayer is for our children’s souls to be preserved from evil and the contamination of this world. This doesn’t mean that we separate them from the world. Jesus prayed in John 17:15 that we would not be taken out of the world, but that we would be kept from evil as we live in this dark world. We are not raising children for hibernation, but for the revelation of God’s character to the world.

The word “preserved” in this Scripture is “tereo” and means “to watch over, to keep watch, to guard from loss or injury by keeping the eye upon.”

This doesn’t happen by hoping it will happen. This only happens by much prayer. It only happens by zealously watching over their spirit, soul and body! And notice that the spirit comes first! Make this Scripture your prayer for your children, too.

4. Proverbs 31:27, “She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.”

The Hebrew word for “looks well” is “tsaphah.” It means “to observe, to lean forward, to peer into the distance, to watch with a purpose, to spy.” It is exactly the same word that is used to describe “watchman” who watch over the city (1 Samuel 18:24; Ezekiel 3:17; 33:7). God told the watchmen to listen to the words of His mouth and to declare them to the people. As watchwomen mothers, we are to always be listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit. He will show us areas in our children’s lives that we need to attend to. He will fill us with His Word so we can impart it to them.

Be a great WATCH DOG today.

Love from Nancy

some more Alberta pictuers

Our latest addition to our house hold!! This kitten was gaven to us last week. The kids are all delighted !! They named her Black-tail.

Benjamin looking on at the kitty! He is scared of it though.

Benjamin enjoying friut at breafast the other day.

Well hope you have enjoyed the pictuers. I will share more as we take some more great ones around here!

summer Alberta pictuers

The kids out in front of our house ( which needs paint really bad), having fun on the lawn. They have so much fun out there.

Here I come with pictuers!! Some recent and fun pic.s of around here. This pictuer above is took over looking the Peace River in the Sunny Valley. A very beutiful pick-nick spot.

OUr 4 boys by the crab-apple tree when it was in full bloom.

Sweet Benjamin, youngest of the boys, hanging out on his bike!! He is almost a 11 months. I can't wait till he walks, he is getting so heavy to pack around!!

Sarah, Benjamin, and Anna having fun on thier bikes( our 3 youngest).

Now that we have high-speed internet I will be posting pictuers from time to time.

It has been so beutiful pleasently warm weather here. This morning when I got up it was in the high 5os F. Now it is warmed up more, but i loved it right from the start!!

In Him,

Mae