So What Makes the Difference?

Think of someone you know who grew up in a Christian home then once they turned 18 headed deep into the world. I personally have known several people, both guys and girls, who have done just that – they grew up hearing the same Biblical principles, memorizing the same Bible verses, and often had godly parents who were actively involved in the church. Why, then, at the first chance do they choose everything opposite of what they have been taught?

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Proverbs 31 for the Single Girl

She’s that illustrious goddess of domesticity. Her husband is crazy about her, the kids adore her, she is business-savvy, Martha Stewart, Paula Dean, Mother Theresa and Jackie Kennedy all rolled into one. The epitome of poise, her house beautifully decorated, her table laden with healthy and delicious foods, her family’s needs all met, and her entrepreneurial spirit bringing in a little extra cash. At least, that’s how we usually picture the Proverbs 31 woman.

Stand By Your Man, Part Four

We are going to continue this month looking at some ways that you as a wife can help to make your husband to succeed in the ministry. We have mentioned several in the past issues: please him, don’t possess him, praise him, and protect him.

As Becometh Saints – Part Three

Dear Striving Christian, His eyes are not only upon the nations but upon you and even the very number of the hairs of your head; the grand as well as the detail.

You are living a gift. A portion of time has been allotted to you and your Maker watches to see what you will make of it. As we enter this busy holiday season may I remind and encourage you to not lose sight of that which is truly important. An orderly home, kind words as well as kind looks are a gift to your family and an act of worship to your God. How we live is integrally tied into the importance of why we live.

Attitude 101

Here is a great little 4 x6 book that you could fit in your purse and pull out when you have a few moments. It is packed full of motivating ideas on mastering a great attitude. These scriptural principles will help equip you with the right kind of attitude that will impact your life and the lives of others you come in contact with on a daily basis.

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The Toolbox

My God has a box of many tools
That he’s used to shape my life
And in His grace, he’s worked to build
And change me for the right.

White Chicken Enchiladas

Need a quick and impressive meal for the upcoming holidays? White Chicken Enchiladas are simple to put together, versatile, and smell so amazing while baking! Try some different variations of this basic recipe or try making them in your crock pot for an easy Sunday meal!

Go Fly A Kite!

As temperatures drop, we all hunker down and try to stay warm and cozy indoors. In fact, most Americans spend more than 90% of their time indoors. Some have called it the human zoo syndrome. Some call it an epidemic of inactivity. Regardless, very few still heed their mothers sound advice, “Go outside; it’s good for you.” There are some excellent reasons for spending time outdoors, even in the winter, even if you are older, even if…, well, you get the picture.

Michelle Castner – The Castner Chronicles

Greetings from North Dakota! We are enjoying the fall weather here in the very northern part of our country. The weather is holding up so far and we are almost to the end of our travels! We are hoping to be back in PA by the middle of October.

Beverly Hammett – Streams in the Desert

Dear Ladies,

I have learned many new things in the last two months—some willingly and some by default. Here is a run-down of some of those things.

Kristin Hammett – Village Vista

Jeremiah 15:16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

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Debbie Wilhite – Africa’s Ambassadors

Juli here…For those who haven’t heard, Mum’s going under the surgeon’s knife tomorrow morning to replace the lens in her left eye. Dr. Weyer is a highly recommended ophthalmologist & Mum has 7 kids all ready to pamper her during recovery…so, no worries! In light of that, Mum asked me this morning if I wouldn’t mind writing about my trip to the States for the ladies paper…” “Sure. When’s it due?” “Uh, tomorrow.” 🙂

When Waiting Equals Rebellion

I read a story of a man who had been convicted of murder and was sentenced to the electric chair. The day of his execution, the warden came by the prisoner’s cell and said, “You can have anything you want for your last meal.” The prisoner replied, “I want asparagus.” The warden says, “Asparagus won’t be in season for three more months.” The prisoner replied, “I’ll wait.”

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The Beauty of Worship Through Sacrifice

The air was a bit close in the room where they all sat, stuffed around a low table, relaxing as the meal came to a close. The candlelight flickered off the walls of the little abode, and the conversation has dropped to a low murmur. The door hesitatingly creaked open, and a small woman slipped in, carrying a vessel in her hands. Eyes followed her movement across the room, past the men, and to the head of the table. She was intruding in a man’s world, this small woman with her small box.

Stand By Your Man, Part Three

In the last two issues we have looked at three different ways that a wife can help her husband to succeed. She should seek to please him, putting his needs before her own. She should not possess him—but allow him to pursue the path that God has laid out for him. And she needs to praise him, letting him know that she is his biggest fan and she has confidence in him. Let me say again that these things apply to anyone—not just a wife whose husband is in full time Christian service. This month we want to look at another way a wife can “stand by her man” and help her husband to succeed, no matter what occupation he may be in.

Ordered Steps

I’ve been thinking about the two-fold meaning in the verse, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.” (Psalm 37:23)

As Becometh Saints – Part Two

In the striving to achieve any goal there always comes a point when we question ourselves, “How badly do you want this?” We all reach a point where exertion becomes necessary in order to conform to all we had hoped would be.

Truly nothing just happens. We are faced with a choice to strive or to merely survive. I ask you, dear lady, how badly do you want to see well-mannered children in your home? Then dig into the Word and study the character of Christ and see the pattern you will use in training your son or daughter. How badly do you want that vibrant relationship with God? Then you must covet your time alone with the Master and record what you learn in your private sessions with Him realizing that the God of the Universe is instructing you. You must dig deeply into the well of wisdom as if you sought for silver and gold.

The Practice of the Presence of God

I would highly recommend this classic book of practical Christian devotion to anyone who is interested in the art of “practicing the presence of God.” Brother Lawrence allows you to take a personal look into his own life to see how he humbly, willingly and faithfully tried to please the Lord with every fiber of his being. He so much enjoyed pleasing the Lord, by practicing the Presence of the Lord that you will find his love for God contagious with each chapter you read. His writings on this subject will encourages you to simply & daily practice living in the presence of God all days of your life.

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Lay Down the Tracks

Do you remember that time

Life brought a sudden collision?

When you were startled, without warning,

To a point of decision?

Can You Be Too Clean?

I use coupons. I shop based on store specials and plan my menu accordingly. Each week, I am more and more annoyed at the advertisements and specials taking the place of useful food sales for cleaning supplies. I especially hate air freshener ads. I have been in houses that try to mask their filth with air freshener smells. I do not advocate slovenliness, but I think most cleaning supplies are unnecessary and many are downright dangerous and harmful. Did you know that it is less expensive and healthier to clean with natural products?