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Hosted by: Peggy @ http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
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For today…November 23, 2009
Outside my window…the first hints of morning light–soft blue
I am hearing…my dog’s dreamy ’barks’
Around the house…painting supplies ready to be used this week
I am remembering…my husband working on finishing the garden shed * children helping with yardwork * quiet family meals * ‘girly’ tea with friends
I am hoping…to get the family room & dining room painted this week
I am thinking…why has the Lord given me such blessings?
From the kitchen…venison stew * ham & corn chowder * maybe something with turkey (0;
From the learning rooms…a week off from studies which leaves room for us to focus on life lessons and home economics
On my mind…how to best use the time I have away from school this week
Looking forward to…beginning a new category here at Fragrance of Truth–Home & Garden
I am (still) reading…The Keeper of the Bees
I am going…to finish grocery shopping today in order to avoid the rush later this week
A helpful hint to share…instead of pouring out the dog’s water or half-used water bottles, I store the left overs in a gallon-sized pitcher then use it to water house plants
One of my favorite things…’tucking in’ the garden for the winter
Noticing that…the state of the church in America continues to slip into apostasy–more prayer needed!
Pondering these words…“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’–and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked–” Rev. 3:15-17
A picture thought to share…
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Have a happy Thanksgiving!
It has been about three years now since my husband and I decided to leave our church home. We did not plan to home church for this long; however, that is the case despite our understanding of the Scripture that commands Christians to not forsake the fellowship of other believers.
The reasons we left are many and varied, but most of all we left because the focus of this church was man-centered in its understanding of what ‘church’ should be. The pastor told me that people did not come to church to hear about the blood atonement of Christ or to listen to a teaching on His deity. He went on to explain that people came to church to learn how to live in this world as Christians; how to get along with their neighbors and co-workers. I was shocked!
The reason we have not joined another fellowship is because most of the churches in our community are just different versions of our previous church. They have bought the lie of Satan that man has a choice in deciding how to worship or how His Church should operate in this world. Just some of the man-centered offerings around here are: contemporary worship styles, pop-culture Bible studies, seeker-sensitive invitations, youth groups and Sunday school which separate families.
Recently, a newcomer to our community was sharing with me what she and her husband were looking for when they searched for a church. She expressed a desire to find a church that was ’safe for her children’. After pondering her words, I began to think that this is certainly why we have NOT joined any other church locally. This is exactly why we do not attend seeker-sensitive syle fellowships or fundamental KJV-only churches.
In Deuteronomy chapter 6, God charges fathers to teach their children about who God is, what He has done, what He will do, what laws He has given us. He goes on to say when we are to do this teaching all throughout the day. These verses do not give much wiggle-room for interpretation.
In Acts chapter 2 verse 42, we find the New Testament Church gathering for Scripture study, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer. How we interpret these verses today obviously can be different to many people-a little more wiggle room. However, we must not forget the command of Deuteronomy 6.
Finding a local congregation that is sincere in their efforts to honor God’s will concerning worship and fellowship has been a challenge, so for now we continue to have home church and are growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and His Word.
Hosted by Peggy @ http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
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For today…October 26, 2009
Outside my window…the glorious colors of autumn.
I am hearing…the sounds of breakfast being made.
I am smelling…apple butter in the crock-pot * oatmeal with cinnamon.
I am thinking…how majestic is His Creation!
I am remembering…a colonial Saturday * early morning coffee on the front porch with hubby * family Bible study on the Law and the Gospel
From the kitchen…apple butter * apple pie filing * apple sauce
Around the house…puppy toys littering the family room floor * muzzle-loaders in the corner * basket of apples in the kitchen
On my mind…a new cross-stitch pattern to start called, ‘His Name is Jesus’
From the learning rooms…time management skills
Pondering this Scripture…”Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:20
I am looking forward to…coffee with a friend today * our new homeschool band starting this week
One of my favorite things…an evening sky in winter
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Grace and peace!
Hosted by Peggy @ www.thesimplewoman.blogspot.com
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For today…October 19, 2009
Outside my window…a bright, autumn morning * sunshine for the first time in six days!
I am thinking…my garden needs tending after all the rain we have had.
I am remembering…colonial dances * afternoon naps * dinner with friends * daughter’s PSAT testing
I am hearing…the whirr of the fireplace fan.
I am thankful for…the Holy Spirit’s guidance as I deal with personal struggles.
From the kitchen…grilled tomato flatbread * marinated salmon * discovering the benefits of cooking with coconut oil * some bread experiments
From the learning rooms…having kids write their own weekly plans for lessons * Postmodern Times by Gene Edward Veith * catching up on grading * lots of life lessons * Deuteronomy
On my mind…husband’s new job * mom considering major surgery
Around the house…puppy snuggled in her bed by the fire * footsteps down the stairs * colonial garb lying around * a full drying rack of clean dishes to put away
Some plans for the week…homeschool co-op meeting * coffee with a friend * fall housecleaning jobs * shopping for formal attire
Pondering these words…”Zeal for the truth has become politically incorrect. There is actually zero tolerance for biblical discernment in a ‘tolerant’ climate…” John MacArthur in Truth War p.189
From the photo file…a colonial lady
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Have a blessed week!
Hosted by Peggy @ http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
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For today…October 5, 2009
From my comfy chair…a quiet morning * an autumn sunrise on the horizon * sleepy children
I am thankful for…early morning devotions * a life full of loving family & friends * peaceful night’s sleep
I am hearing…the house beginning to wake up
Around the house…boxes from hubby’s old office * hunting gear * lots of laundry to put away
Memories from last week…grandma flying home * black-tie banquet with hubby & farewell luncheon with his co-workers * success for daughter at sewing expo
I am looking forward to…normal school routine * finishing the painting on the garden shed * our local Fall Festival this weekend
From the kitchen…veggie soup * Irish Soda Bread * salads made with lettuce from the garden
I am reading…’The Quarterly Journal’ from Personal Freedom Outreach
Some GrifNet humor…Husband says: When I get mad at you, you never fight back. How do you take
out your frustration and control your anger.
Wife says: I clean the toilet.
Husband says: How does that help?
Wife says: I use your Toothbrush. 
One of my favorite things…watching my son play with his dog
I am hoping…to find time to work on some crafting projects
Pondering thoughts on…how Jesus is refining His Church in these last days
A Scripture thought to share…”For in Him (Jesus) dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily…” Colossians 2:9
A lovely start to the day…
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Blessings!
Hosted by Peggy @ http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/
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For today…August 3, 2009
From my rocker…the whirr of the ceiling fan * watching my son create things with clay * my puppy snoring in her bed
I am hearing…the sounds of morning * the coffee pot cycling * the air-conditioning working hard on a steamy, August day
I am remembering…the quick visit to Florida to check on moms * walking on the beach with my children * swim finals * making pickles * dinner with home grown foods * making progress on the new shed * the arrival of our new mattress set
I am thankful…for my faithful, merciful Savior * flexible schedules * homeschooling * healthy children * loving family * fried okra
Around the house…lots of clutter from last week * remnants of pickling * baskets of laundry that need attention * children gathered in the family room eating their breakfast cereal
From the kitchen…sweet corn soup with home grown corn * zucchini bread * barbecue sandwiches with leftover smoked pork * experiments with bread machine
From the learning rooms…continuing with lessons * placement test for local community college * Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen * starting new math curriculum * lots of home economics ;-)
Currently reading…continuing Truth War * catching up on WORLD issues
One of my favorite things…a clean house–a rare pleasure.
A few plans for the rest of the week…lots of cleaning & cooking * school * two swim parties * catching up with girlfriends * 4H meeting * homeschool co-op business
A picture thought to share…bountiful blessings!
May the Lord bless you and keep you this week!
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Grandmother Wren is hosting the Daybook for the summer.
Hosted by Peggy @ http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/
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For today…July 13, 2009
From my chair…a totally different view in our re-arranged living room. * I’m not sure I like it because I no longer face the windows where I can look out and see the sky and trees.
Outside my window…a gray, still morning * birds waking up
I am hearing…my puppy, breathing softly as she sleeps * the whir of the ceiling fan * the coffee pot cycling * a blessed, peaceful morning after a busy weekend * my son playing with his Playmobil soldiers.
Around the house…jars of zucchini relish * basket of cukes, beans & more zucchini to process * organized clutter here & there to put away
I am thankful for…my health & that of my family * a lovely chat with my sister-in-law * the flexibity that homeschooling affords * the cool temperatures we’ve enjoyed lately
I am remembering…a busy weekend of canning, gardening, working on the shed * a lovely dinner with my husband * early-morning coffee on the front porch * hard-working children * making plans for a trip to Florida to check on my mom
I am reading…Truth War by John MacArthur * What Love is This? by Dave Hunt
One of my favorite things…finishing projects.
A few plans for the rest of the week…returning library books * swim practice & a meet on Wednesday * berry picking with friends * a trip to town for fabrics/notions, new swim goggles & other ‘necessities’ * playdate for son * eliminating all the piles of clutter
Some humor in honor of John Calvin’s 500th birthday…How many Calvinists does it take to change a lightbulb? None. Lights will go on and off at predestined times. (from Grif.Net)
A picture thought to share…our beloved Sam, who recently passed away.
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Hope you have a lovely week!
Karen is hosting the Daybook for the summer at Grandmotherwren.com.
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For today…July 6, 2009
From my comfy chair…birds singing * an unusually cool morning * a bright morning sky
I am thankful for…a faithful Savior * vacations * loving friends * routines
I am remembering…our family vacation * kayaking * cool mountains streams * amusement parks * white-water rafting * fireworks * pickling green beans * lots of games of Sequence *
Around the house…stacks of mail to sort * suitcases & clutter that need organizing
I am thinking…of my family–my mother-in-law’s, brother’s & nephew’s birthdays * that I would love to catch up with my sister-in-law * of all the things on my ‘to do’ list * how I miss our old cat that passed away recently
I am reading…Truth War by John MacArthur * Proclaiming the Gospel newsletter * Daniel
I am creating…lots of zucchini bread * a new living room design * daily bread recipe with home-milled wheat flour * lesson plans for the next six-week period
From the learning room…back to lessons Tuesday * incorporating some new record-keeping techniques gleaned from convention
A few plans for the rest of the week…clean camper * errands in town * swim meet on Wednesday * catching up on insurance filing * lots of laundry * weed pulling in garden
One of my favorite things…coming home after vacation.
A Scripture thought to share…”But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head.” Psalm 3:3
A snapshot of our vacation…Sha-Kon-O-Hey–Land of Blue Smoke
Have a blessed week!
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P.S.–Grandmother Wren is hosting The Simple Woman’s Daybook while Peggy takes the summer off. You can visit her site at http://grandmotherwren.com/.
From: Letters of John Newton
“In order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are very familiar with his evil schemes.”
2 Corinthians 2:11
Satan knows knows how to suit his temptations to our personal tempers and circumstances. And if, like Achilles, you have a vulnerable heel–the old serpent will be sure to strike there!
“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil.”
Ephesians 6:11
HT: Grace Gem
Hosted by Peggy @ http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
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For today…June 1, 2009
Outside my window…a lovely, cool, sunny morning. * Birds are singing and a slight breeze is blowing.
I am hearing…my son getting his breakfast.
Around the house…coolers, clothing and others remnants from the weekend’s camping trip * a baby box turtle sleeping under the warm light of his new home. * lots of clutter.
I am thankful for…the start of a new day which promises Grace from the Lord, which I need moment by moment * friends who lovingly exhort * weekends away.
I am remembering…the sound of rain on the camper in the middle of the night * relaxing visits with friends at a beautiful state park * heartwrenching issues concerning my daughter and a ‘friend’ * difficult conversations * huge snapping turtles laying eggs in my gardens * my children enjoying colonial dancing * finding sharks teeth at the beach * watching the dog enjoying the water.
I am hoping…to accomplish many things today * for guidance from the Holy Spirit in all aspects of my life * for more hours to be added to the day 
I am attempting to create…a clean & tidy house.
I am reading…The Backyard Homestead, finishing up Hitler’s Cross and hoping to start John MacArthur’s Truth War. (With my husband on travel for half the week, I might actually get some time to read!)
A few plans for the rest of the week…lots of cleaning * pricing my curriculum to sell at the homeschool convention * pulling weeds * making a cucumber trellis.
One of my favorite things…sitting around the campsite with good friends studying/discussing Scripture and life. What a blessing!
A question to consider…How do we know if the peace we feel is from the Lord? (1 Corinthians 14:33)
A picture thought to share…a snapping turtle similar to the ones that decided to make my garden their nesting site.
Have a marvelous week!
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